Dell PSU replacement

W

Wiens

New Member
I would like to upgrade the video card (MX 440 replaced by a BFG Tech 6200 OC) on my GX270 Dell, however, I first need to upgrade the 275 watt Dell power supply. I have heard that Dells use proprietary psu's and I can't use a "normal" replacement.

First, is this true?

Second, what is different about the Dell psu and can it be changed, ie. case cutting/modification, wiring ends?

Third, can I just buy a replacement psu (online or in store) and install it?

Fourth, what are your power recommendations?

I plan on a high 6800 or low 7600/7800 series video card as this is an AGP card and no future upgrades are available. I mainly use the computer for Flight Simulator 2004, FSX and NASCAR 2003. It has two DVD writers, two SATA HD's and one IDE HD and the other normal "stuff". It has a P4 2.8 HT and 2 gigs of RAM.

I'm looking for some advice on this matter based on your experiences. No need to bash Dell or me in this thread; this computer was my company's computer and it is three years old. I will be building my own gaming computer next year thanks to what I've read and learned here after Vista and DX10 are released and hardware vendors have released their products.

Thanks in advance!

Kevin
 
Ok I won't bash Dell since they have their hands full recalling laptop batteries at this time. The type of case(AT? ATX?) will be what determines an upgrade from a "wimpy" 275w supply in an older case. With two SATA drives along with the ide host and now a heftier video card for gaming a good 400w or higher model will handle your needs there.

First see if Dell has a better model for that case to avoid custom fitting a new one if that is an AT type proprietary case. If that runs an atx board you could move the hardwares into a better case for a low price and add large case fans with a larger supply. Without OCing the card you could go with an ATI Radeon 9550 256mb card and see favorable results at a lower price. An Antec True Power II 430w would work if the board there has a 20pin main power connector socket. Why spend more?
 
It depends on the model of Dell. Most models of Dell from P3 and upwards use a standard ATX PSU. The only exception that I know of is those slimline desktop cases.
 
The three case styles are seen along with product information at http://www.dell.com/downloads/emea/products/optix/optix_gx270_uk.pdf

I was going to say upon seeing the first two you would be lost trying to get an atx supply to fit in those. The mini tower displayed at the link is the right size. The problem seen at the rear of the case is the way their supplies are mounted. Remember those two phillips screws seen at the first link? Those are what "their" supply inplace. You would have to drill your own holes for mounting anything other then "their" custom fitted mounts there. That's why I mentioned seeing if Dell has a larger model supply or you would have to move everything into a standard atx case.
 
I checked a local computer VAR in town today and ended up buying a Thermaltake 430 watt psu. I only needed to cut a 1" by 1.5" portion of the back of the case. Wasn't too bad! It installed with no problems. Works great!

Thanks for your advice and help.

Kevin
 
That shows the model there was the atx and not AT or similar slim styled case to be able to take a chunk out and mount it. The last dremel used here was on stainless steel castings. Boy your ears rang as well as the air driven tool with a 1" diameter carbide tip! :P
 
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