Motherboard/CPU

[Havlock]

Grrr I hate changing psus, with my previous machine once the original psu died I had to replace the psu 3 times, almost once a year for the remainder of it's lifespan. Sod it I might just pay someone to do it for me.

Actually, save the cash you'd pay someone else and buy one of those anti-static wrist straps so you can safely do it yourself. As long as you have it clipped to the PCs case and on your arm you'll almost certainly not zap any sensitive components. It's an invaluable tool if you're poking around in the guts of your system.

As for the PSU itself; it'd be a good idea to take measurements of the dimensions of your current power supply, for comparison to the possible new ones. If possible, go to a computer supply shop and actually look at the PSUs. A good rule of thumb when choosing a power supply: the heavier the better. Quality PSUs have bigger heatsinks and beefier components, so they'll last longer, deliver more consistent DC power, and can deal with less than great AC power. Cheaping out on the power supply is a sure fire way to make your computer flaky as hell, with all sorts of wierd crashes and glitches.

I'd recommend getting at least a 400W supply, with more being better (to a point), preferably one with modular power cables on the inside. If case space is at a premium, and it sounds like that's the situation here, then with modular cables you'll have the option to install only the cables you need, and not have a bunch of extra wires and connectors dangling about.

I hope that'll help you out. It's my first post here, so please go easy on me.

 

[Touquet]

I'm agree with you Havlock.
But I recommed an small APC or BackUPS too to limitate PSU failure

Power bar are just good for high power fluctuation and not for low power fluctuation.
So APC/UPS do the job for both. you have to calculate the charge you need and buy one to do the job.

I have a Tripp lite for my two PCs and never change PSU...
I also connect my LCD screen on it. And when the power cut I still have time to save, close my apps.[/url]

 

[Havlock]

Whoops! Forgot about using a UPS; and I have one!

However, if you just want the power conditioning, try picking up a used UPS. Even if the batteries can't keep your system up for long, or at all, it'll still keep the AC smoothed out nicely. Just make sure you get the interface cable if it's one of the non-USB ones. And avoid off-brands; stick with APC, Tripp Lite, or another long standing UPS company.

Oh, and take any surge protection/power conditioning claims of those multi-outlet strips with a large grain of salt. It's really not a good idea to trust the power health of your ~$2000 worth of computer equipment to something you picked up outta the bargain bin.

 

[Kyuu]

However, if you just want the power conditioning, try picking up a used UPS. Even if the batteries can't keep your system up for long, or at all, it'll still keep the AC smoothed out nicely.

I've always wanted a UPS just for the power conditioning, but the cost has always been prohibitive for me. Is there any good place to find used ones at a good price? I suppose there's always EBay...

 

[Touquet]

...try picking up a used UPS. Even if the batteries can't keep your system up for long, or at all, it'll still keep the AC smoothed out nicely. ...

Change battery cost like 50$/battery USD so is cheap for something that can save your pc. So find some used APC on eBay and when the batteries failed change them

 

[Havlock]

I picked up my APC SmartUPS 1000 up at a company surplus shop for $25. The batteries were still the same ones it came with in '99, but they were good enough to keep three systems plus network switch running at least long enough to auto-shutdown.

Unfortunately, unless you pick an eBay auction close enough to you that you can personally pick up the UPS, it's going to cost an arm and a leg to ship it. I'd suggest looking for local computer surplus or used electronics shops. Or keep an eye out for businesses that are getting new computer equipment and/or remodeling/expanding. They might be getting rid of some of their old stuff, that's how I got my UPS. Anyway, good luck!

 

[requiem_for_a_starfury]

I might be out of date on the different types of ram available these days and it might be the first time I installed ram on this machine (hell it was the first time I'd opened it up) but it's not the first time I'd ever installed ram.

I got a 500W psu, with install costs it was still cheaper than getting one from the nearest store. Remember I haven't got a credit card and can't order online.

I've never heard of a UPS before, I'll keep an eye out but they aren't widespread over here on the shelf yet. We've only ever had one power cut here since I moved to the area 17 years ago.

 

[ratsnack]

i missed the train on getting ram for my mobo probably 6 months ago, or even a year. Now it costs a lot more than new ram. Hatred. Im going to end up with a LAN cafe at my apt if I get another pc...