how to check power supply wattage without opening

Guest, The rules for the P & N subforum have been updated to prohibit "ad hominem" or personal attacks against other posters. See the full details in the post "Politics and News Rules & Guidelines."

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member

The power supply should have a label showing that information. Open the case and have a look. Are you trying to determine whether your PSU will hold up to a new upper-end video card or some other upgrade? What's your system specs?

p4 2.66 ghz
512mb ddr sdram
120gb hard drive
DVDROM
CDRW

looking to install 6600 gt on my hp a255c.

Any way to find out psu info without opening the case

Originally posted by: swinger222
p4 2.66 ghz
512mb ddr sdram
120gb hard drive
DVDROM
CDRW
looking to install 6600 gt on my hp a255c.

Any way to find out psu info without opening the case

Sure. Stop being lazy and google it and you have your answer on the first page. If yours is anything like this guy's, then it has a 250W power supply.

Why are you afraid to open up the case to check on the power supply if you're going to have to do it to install your vid card? Anyways, that's not going to be enough close to what you need for the 6800. I'd recommend you a new power supply, but from my experience on HP cases and systems in general it might not be a pleasant experience to upgrade.

would there be any performance decrease using it on a 250w system

Originally posted by: swinger222
would there be any performance decrease using it on a 250w system

The decrease would be the inability to run it due to not enough power. If I'm not mistaken, the 6600GT has a molex on the card to draw extra power from the power supply. If the thing even manages to run, you would have wild instability problems due to your inadequate power.

If your case can hold it, I would pick up a nice new power supply and throw that puppy in there and you could be on your way.

mechBgon

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member

On the bright side, at least that model has an AGP slot, which is more than you can say for many off-the-shelf Happy Meal? computers. From the quick-setup sheet here it appears that it might even accept an ATX power supply, although the front-to-back depth of a full-sized ATX power supply could collide with the rear of your optical drives. But there's at least modest hope that you could install a new PSU and get away with your upgrade.

Another option would be to pick up a decent new case & PSU, maybe an Antec Sonata with its stock TruePower 380 or something, and throw your HP stuff into it.

Does anyone know what a uatx power supply is? U-ATX

Advertising
Cookies Policies
Privacy
Term & Conditions
About us

This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.