power supply upgrade for dell dimension e520

[Imperiex]

I got a Dell Dimension E520, I plan on upgrading the video card from a ATi X1300 Pro 256MB to a XFX Nvidia Geforce 8800GT 512MB, the power supply it came with is only a 305W PSU. What PSU would you guys recommend? It also has an Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 2.13 GHz CPU, 2GB RAM, a 500GB HDD, a dvd burner, dvd drive. Keep in mind I only have around $400-$600 to spend, and $250-$300 of that is going to the video card. Also plan to sometime in the future put another 500 GB drive inside.

[Apoptosis]

The power supply model you have now is the H305N-00. The technical specification of the power supply is:

+5V = 22A
+3.3V = 17A
+12VA = 18A
+12VB = 18A
-12V = 1A
+5Vfp = 2A

Connectors:
24Pin Motherboard and CPU Connector
4 x 5Pin SATA Power Connectors
1 x 4Pin IDE Power Connector
1 Floppy drive power connector

It's really not a bad little power supply, but obviously it's not going to be enough to safely run a GeForce 8800 GT 512MB graphics card. GeForce 8800 GT graphics cards require a minimum 400W or greater system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26 A) for single GPU operation. So remember this when shopping for a power supply. Since the Dell Dimension e520 is a recent Dell model, I would not think that it is proprietary to just Dell. You might want to measure to see what will fit length wise too. As for suggestions... I'd look at the Corsair HX620W all of the test systems here at LR run them along with my personal system. A number of the forum members also have them and none have had an issue in over a year. Here is the review we did last year on it: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/371/1/

hope this helps and welcome to the forums!

[vicaphit]

That 1000W PSU fit in my e510 case. I don't think space is going to be a big issue. I believe those are the same cases.

[FZ1]

I thought most/all Dell PSU’s had proprietary connectors? I know PC Power & Cooling sells Dell PSU’s.

[stopthekilling77]

i highly recommend the Corsair 620HX. look in my signature, and see what it's running :D

nice future-proofing supply for your needs

[FZ1]

i highly recommend the Corsair 620HX. look in my signature, and see what it's running :D

nice future-proofing supply for your needs

I just bought one too...it's gonna be pushing more than that!

[Imperiex]

Hello again, I'm concerned about the comment made by FZ1 that most if not all Dell PSU's use proprietary connectors, and I did look at PC Power and Cooling site to look at their dell psu's. Can anyone verify this? I am leaning towards the psu that was recommended, the Corsair 620HX, just gotta figure out if it will fit in my case. Thanks for the help.

[FZ1]

Simply based on my history with Dell's, it will not work. Unless they have changed in the past few years. But, the "Dell" psu's at PCP&C should work.

[bubba]

Dell used proprietary everything back in the day, your machine isn't all that old so you should be fine with the corsair. Easiest to look at the mobo (or better post a pic) and see if you have the special hook up like on this page

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std ... erter.html

I believe the new Intel Dells don't require this, none of the ones I have here at work anyway.

[vicaphit]

Like I said before, the 1000W fit in my case size wise.

It didn't even need any special connectors.

My dell was bought last november

[Methious]

I just replaced my neighbors power supply, she has a newer Dell, it was a standard 24pin.