[Darste]

Howzit guys,

My current MoBo got hit by lightning through my router at home (down the telephone wire THROUGH the supposed surge protector supplied with the router), and as a result, the LAN port has ceased to function.

The OS picks up the fact that the adapter is on the MoBo and recognises it. Even the LED on the port itself works! But under Device Manager, the network adapter is reported as not being able to start. I have already tried a re-install of the drivers.

So now I'm looking into a new MoBo as I'm due for an upgrade. But I'm on a budget so I'm looking to find the newer equivalent of an Intel DP65LT board.

At this point, I'm looking into an Intel DP45SG Skyberg but I'd need to get myself a new PSU and like I say, I'm on a budget. Preferably, I'd like NOT to have to replace my current 300W PSU.

Also, recommendations as to other MoBo choices would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a million and one.

[lawson_jl]

If you set on upgrading a new mobo would be good but if your on a tight budget you could just get a network card for under $10.

[Triple6]

You are not running the computer in your signature with a 300 watt power supply are you?

[Darste]

I don't have space for a network card. That's the thing.

And as a matter of fact, I am. Have been for the past 3 odd years. It's worked fine.

EDIT: Also, I have been looking into new PSU's. Prices are outrageous. But after reading a story about generic units, I'm going to upgrade for sure. If possible, could someone please advise on the ideal PSU for my system specs, but with a new MoBo, possibly the Skyberg

Specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz (Rated at 4.89GHz)
Intel DP965LT Motherboard (CURRENT)
ATi Radeon HD4850 512MB
2GB DDR3 RAM
250GB Seagate HDD
Logitech G15 Keyboard
Gigabyte iSolo 210 Case

[crjdriver]

Even if you have no room in the case, you can use a usb nic like this one.

In any case, you need a new pw supply. If you are on a real tight budget, this pw supply would be about the cheapest I could recommend. I know it is rosewill however I have used it in a few budget builds and they have been running fine for a year or so.

If you want a quality pw supply, then go with corsair, seasonic, FSP, or pcpower&cooling.

Running a 4850 with a 300W pw supply is really asking for a problem. Just think about how long the engine in your car would last if you required it to run at full throttle all of the time??? That is what you are doing using an underpowered pw supply.

[win2kpro]

If the DP965LT ran on your present power supply, and if it's not damaged, why would you have to get a new power supply for the DP45SG?

[crjdriver]

Originally Posted by win2kpro

If the DP965LT ran on your present power supply, and if it's not damaged, why would you have to get a new power supply for the DP45SG?

The video card he is using. A 4850 requires a min of 450W or so and around 30~35amp on the 12V rail[s] Running that video card with a 300W I am surprised he did not have problems sooner.

[win2kpro]

I agree that he needs a bigger power supply, however he was running a DP965LT motherboard, but then made this statement;

"So now I'm looking into a new MoBo as I'm due for an upgrade. But I'm on a budget so I'm looking to find the newer equivalent of an Intel DP65LT board.

At this point, I'm looking into an Intel DP45SG Skyberg but I'd need to get myself a new PSU and like I say, I'm on a budget. Preferably, I'd like NOT to have to replace my current 300W PSU."

This seemed to imply (at least the way I read it) that because he was going from the DP965LT board to a DP45SG board that he was going to need to get a bigger power supply which I didn't understand why he was going to need a new power supply for a board change.

[Darste]

Thanks for the awesomely quick responses. And sorry for my confusing statement

But...

Because I live in South Africa, prices are WAY higher than some people think. A decent power supply like this:

http://www.prophecy.co.za/coolermast...0-p-38701.html

costs a huge amount. If I use rough currency exchange indicators of 8 rands to the US dollar, it comes to around $145. Or R1163 as you see it on the website. And believe it or not, the DP45SG costs around the same, in South Africa anyhow.

On the same site, I managed to find some reputable brands at around half the price:

http://www.prophecy.co.za/huntkey-ap...c-p-38803.html

http://www.prophecy.co.za/gigabyte-o...y-p-31569.html

http://www.prophecy.co.za/coolermast...w-p-38710.html

They all seem to be rather good. What do you guys think?

Also, would all of these PSU's be able to run my system with the new board?

Thanks again, the advice around here is brilliant.

[crjdriver]

The only one I have heard of is coolmaster. That one should be OK.

I think in the U.S we get spoiled with the cheap prices. That same coolmaster is $60 US.

[Darste]

OK, here's the current status:

I've taken my PC into a reputable shop to get it checked out and the guy has now specced an ASUS P45 board (P5Q-DLX) as a replacement for the DP965LT. I've asked him about the PSU and he's said that it should be fine considering that it ran on the same one before and the new board is similar to the old.

So now what? Do I still invest in a 550W PSU? Or do I wing it and risk it with the 350W?
(My bad, the current PSU has a peak output of 400W, rated at 350W Strange thing is that the current PSU has a UL number on it. Can it be trusted?)

Many thanks for all the help.

[crjdriver]

You know what the power requirements are for your video card. If you choose to ignore them, that is up to you.

[Darste]

Thanks for all the help.

I've received the board, am putting in an order for a 585W PSU this week.

A pity that once one starts upgrading things in a PC, others MUST be upgraded too. Difficult if you're on a budget.

Again, thanks very much.