[francksauzee]

I've had a problem with my computer, it getting stuck in sleep mode possibly after a power surge. I looked up forums with similar problems and they were all solved by changing the power supply. Trouble is, none of these said what this entailed or how you do it.

I'm pretty new to computers (as you can probably tell) so could someone please tell me how to change the power supply or send a link on how to do so?

[crjdriver]

Changing a pw supply is pretty straightforward unless you have an older dell that uses a proprietary unit.
Open the case and take a good look at how the pw connectors are connected. Take some pics if that will help you. Now disconnect all of the connectors; the atx pw, aux pw, all of the molex type connectors, pci-e pw [if used]

Once done with that, unscrew the four screws that hold in the unit. Remove the old unit. Place the new one in the case and secure with screws. Connect your pw connectors. Now before doing anything else, take a good long look at your work and make sure you have routed leads out of the way of fans, etc. Tie up loose wires with tie raps. Take any unused leads and tie them together and place in an unused 5 1/4 bay out of the way.

Now power ON and see how it works.

[francksauzee]

how do i go about getting a new power supply? do you know how much one would cost, or have any recommendations?

is it reasonably easy, or would you suggest getting a technician in?

sorry for all the questions, but i dont know particularly much about it...

[crjdriver]

First of all, post your exact system specs; ie make and model of motherboard, cpu, etc. If you have a big box system like a dell, post the make and model.

[francksauzee]

CPU is a Fujitsu Siemens ESPRIMO Project PC P3510, the monitor is an LG FLATRON L1017B... iG31 chipset... thats all i know for just now, is there anything else you need to know?

[Empire2500]

Try using a program called SySpec

http://www.alexnolan.net/software/sysspec.htm

Post your Specs that appear

[Cera]

To Poster:

I think something you need to figure out is what sort of wattage you need for your powersupply. Regularly 600 watts is a good average... 400-500 is low, and 750+ is above average. Figure out what wattage your current PSU was... and go by that, or decide if you need a more powerful PSU. PSUs vary in price, but I believe I paid $130 for my recent one.

It's easy to disconnect a power supply, especially if its a computer that was built from the ground up. Either way, the power supply is the box that your PC's power cord runs in to... and all you need is some screw loosening and it'll come right out. You'll have to unplug and replug things, but so long as you put everything exactly as it was in the old one it'll be fine. So just keep track of those things you unplug... and you'll be good. CRGDriver gave a pretty good description of what it is you have to do... and if you can provide the exact system specs I'm sure people here will be able to help you better if you're still unsure about going ahead and doing it.

[francksauzee]

Sorry i can't get my specs, as my computer won't turn on and it wasn't mine to begin with so I don't have a record...
I'm going to go ahead and do it, as soon as I buy a new PSU, I've had a look and I reckon i know what I'm doing now. (Thanks a lot to crjdriver!).
Is there any way of preventing the same thing happening again? i.e. a power surge knocking it out?
And is it true that your own static electricity can mess with your computer? Or would it be ok?
Again, sorry for all the questions, but I just really don't want to break my computer...
Thanks so much to everyone who's posted, by the way!

[francksauzee]

Oh, and will any PSU work in any computer?

[aly369]

can you plese take a photo of inside the machine so we know what PSU you need it will be mutch easyer

[Cera]

Originally Posted by francksauzee

Sorry i can't get my specs, as my computer won't turn on and it wasn't mine to begin with so I don't have a record...
I'm going to go ahead and do it, as soon as I buy a new PSU, I've had a look and I reckon i know what I'm doing now. (Thanks a lot to crjdriver!).
Is there any way of preventing the same thing happening again? i.e. a power surge knocking it out?
And is it true that your own static electricity can mess with your computer? Or would it be ok?
Again, sorry for all the questions, but I just really don't want to break my computer...
Thanks so much to everyone who's posted, by the way!

To prevent future power surges knocking out the hardware in your computer, invest in a surge protector. They keep your computer safe from unnecessary damage, and if the power goes out, you can get ones with a battery backup that lets you continue working for up to three hours! I use this: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX14649(ME).aspx

However, there are cheaper models of surge protectors (without battery backup), like this: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX9323(ME).aspx

As far as what PSU to get, I don't think it matters... people might have brand favourites, but you can just ask your sales representative if they know anything about PSU brands (don't let them sell you an uber expensive one, it's not necessary...). OCZ and Altec are good brands to consider, just make sure you get the wattage you want (600 being good in many cases).

Other people might be able to help more, but this is just from my experience (which is strictly on a custom built PC) xD

[francksauzee]

here are pictures of the inside of my computer, and a description of my PSU.

Make; Newton Power Ltd, Model; NPS-180DBA

Max Continous Output 180W

Max Peak Output 220W

There is a lot about A.C. Input and Output, Main Output and Auxiliary Output, but it doesnt feel necessary. If it would help, tell me.

[aly369]

yes you can use any power supply as long as it has got a 24 pin connector and a 4 pin atx