Need a new processor or graphics card?

[trek554]

Originally Posted by Irayn3b33ns

Since my powersupply is only 250w, what is a good psu that is around 300-400w that is relatively cheap and will help me in the long run

actually its 220watt and the most important is the 12v line which is very low and can not even provide 150 watts in realistic conditions.

I am not sure where to get a small form factor power supply. newegg may carry some but I have never looked. too sleepy to look or google it right now.

[-RASCAL-]

Iryan3b33ns, you can get the general specifications/detail of your current power supply without the need of a power supply tester. You just need to look at the "big sticker" on the side of the power supply. Here are some examples:
http://gamefaqspc.wikispaces.com/fil...rsairtx650.png
http://static.commentcamarche.net/en...0E-con1-s-.png
http://img.tomshardware.com/us/2007/...t_ps_label.jpg

Like the last image, provide us the detail labelled on the power supply, please.

If you already have the CPU and graphics card in your hands, might as well keep them (if you wish). For now, you can install either component (not both...from what trek has stated) in your system and see what improvements you get.

I would install the HD 6570 as it would probably give the "most" performance increase from the old and outdated onboard GeForce 6150SE. It's also the lower power drawing unit of the two parts.


As for power supply upgrade, NewEgg does sell "slimline" PSUs. Looking at the deatails of your system on HP's site
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=4196114
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...roduct=4196114

and from the following (not so nice but helpful pictures) webpage
http://www.ripoffreport.com/computer...r-he-08f19.htm

your system uses the "TFX12V" form factor. if that is the case, you have some-kind of choice for a replacement power supply.

SeaSonic SS-300TFX Bronze 300W. Seasonic is known for quality and reliable PSUs. With a max of 252W from the +12v rails, and a 80+ bronze certification, it would be your "best" choice.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151090

FSP Group FSP300-60GHT 300W. FPS is another known PSU brand (but may not be very popluar in North America). It's not as "good" as the SeaSonic unit, but it is another option.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104072

There are a couple more power supplies available, but they are made by lesser quality brands (Rosewill, Athena Power, etc). The highest wattage you can purchase is the Athena Power 400W. Even though it is rated as a "400W", it's more closely like a higher quality 350W at best. Plus, the reviews for it isn't very nice, so I wouldn't suggest that you purchase that...it also comes with a HEAVY price tag.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817338082

All TFX12V power supplies at NewEgg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...CE&PageSize=20

[Irayn3b33ns]

allright, so lets say i decided to get a cpu that is less powerhungry than the one i might be getting, what would you recommend?

[masterchef341]

Originally Posted by trek554

a full system with a 6670 could easily use 160-170 watts under load. that psu is only rated for 14 amps on the 12v which is just 168 watts. so NO its NOT safe

you do realize that not the entire system is dependent on the 12v rail

[trek554]

Originally Posted by masterchef341

you do realize that not the entire system is dependent on the 12v rail

yes but up to 90-95% of the power needed is going to be coming from it in a modern pc. and again cheap oem psus do not typically make their advertised wattage/amps even when brand new.