PC power supply questoin on the Peoria.com Forums

I need to replace the power supply on a friend's PC. What's the science to a job like this? Do I HAVE TO get a Dell OEM replacement part through Dell or Ebay or wherever, or are there "one size fits most" units that I can get most anywhere?

On that note... if anyone were trashing a few-years-old Dell tower, I'd slip you a few bucks for the power supply if it were a good organ donor...

JP

I have three old towers at the house - not sure if they are Dell or not. I'll check tonight.

@JeepPilot:

You'd have to make sure the PINs are correct (20 or 24PIN), and I'd at least get the same wattage (350W,400W,500W, etc)

Don't need OEM parts.

I do have a multitude of power-supplies. They are around 350W, and they swing both ways, 20 or 24P

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@Pock:

As long as it's a standard size, you can buy OEM. Some manufacturers like to make odd sized power supplies to force you to buy a Dell replacement. Pull the old one out and take a run to Computer Deli, and see if they have a replacement.

not all power supplies are as easy as pull and plug. sometimes you have to connect a bunch of front-panel headers to get all the LED's and stuff working, and the last mobo I had came with mis-printed information on how to connect them.

i know where there is a dead dell you could gut for a few bucks. what is your model #?

JP.

I sent you a PM. I have a power supply you can have for nothing. Even have a few Dell pulls if you prefer to put a dell PSU back into it.

@tapeworm:

What?! It is as easy as plug and play*. The LEDs for the front panel, and even audio and USB all should plug into the motherboard.

Any fancy LEDs on the fans, should plug either into the fan socket on the motherboard or into a molex adaptor.

The only thing notable with Dell computers, is the front panel connectors typically have a custom jpanel adapter that you can't use on a non-dell (specified) motherboard... I've tried, the boards just smoke

As for power supplies, ya it is that simple. If it is an ATX form factor, you can just swap it out. You'll have the 20(or 24) pin ATX and the 12VATX, then you'll have the IDE molex or sata power connectors.

JP, If interested, I'm sure I can supply you with the required parts.. at no cost.

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@pock I'm simply pointing out that it can be tedious depending on the power supply. I'm glad you're so eager to help.

Hope all goes well JP