Are all Micro ATX power supplies the same?

[kcrawford4]

I have an HP Pavilion 6545C and the power supply just died. If I order the part from HP's web site it's $65. Can I replace it with any micro ATX power supply (provided it's at least as many watts as the old one)? They are much cheaper elsewhere.
Thanks.

 

[RandyG]

For the most part, I would say yes to your question, but some companies do use proprietary components to force clients to keep coming back to them. The best thing I would suggest is to take a good look at your power supply, especially where the mounting screws would go in, as well as where it would be mounted in the case. Make sure they are in the same location on the new Power Supply. Take the old Power Supply along when you go shopping for a new one, to make a comparison.

Best bit of advice I could give is to make sure whoever you buy it from has a return policy in case it doesn't fit.

 

[crabman]

NO I THINK YOU CAN BUY DIFFERENT WATTAGES YOU WANT 200 OR 230 WATTS I THINK DONT UNDER POWER YOUR MACHINE ASK COMPAQ ABOUT THE PITFALLS OF THAT

QUOTE; HERE I SIT BROKEN HEARTED COME TO CRAP BUT ONLY FARTED

 

[Alex Ethridge]

Electrically, they are all the same except for variations in wattage. Size, shape and bolt patterns will vary from major brand to major brand.

I had one in my shop just two weeks ago that needed a power supply. The bolt pattern was the same; but, the depth (distance front to back) was shallow. We could have used a standard 250-watt, $35 power supply but for the depth. Or, we could have gone to HP for a $200-watt for $85. Problem was that the CD-ROM drive was in the way of the standard one. The customer decided she would rather have the CD-ROM drive pushed out the front of the computer an inch and a half (ugly) rather than pay the $50 tribute to HP.

I understood her frustration at such a higher price for an obviously inferior product.