At least attempt to get the PSU specs from him before simply telling him out of hand that he needs a new one just because the brand isn't one of about 6 that "won't blow up." Odds are he will want a new PSU, but it won't hurt to at least CHECK the specs, since I highly doubt you have even heard of the brand. (I know I haven't)
By the way, is there a way you can squelch members of this forum? So that you don't read their posts? I have to admit reading a comment about someone's PSU "almost certainly" blowing up and "taking everything else with it" is beyond annoying when you read it multiple times a day. Almost torturous in fact, all the more because it is a gross exaggeration.
Go into the profile, and under User Lists, ignore user.
Now, yes, I did research all Ace Power supplies that are 520w. The first article from google:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Ace-...-Swedish-Electrical-Safety-Board-189021.shtml
Should be a hint of the quality of power supplies.
And from the specs on a number of units:
+12V1: 12A
+12V2: 14A
Not nearly enough amps on it to be a decent unit, at all.
As a computer forum, it is our job to make sure the users are getting the correct information.
I am going into computers for a living, so I know that I need to present all my knowledge to get the customer the best choices he can get. If I were not to do that, and make a mistake that costs the customer money, that will, in turn, get me fired/in trouble with my employer, or if I own my own company, get bad reviews and reputation as someone who cuts corners.
And as a computer forum, to boost traffic to the site and gain respect as a knowledgeable computer forum, we have to make sure people coming on the site for questions get the most correct information as possible.
So yes, the power supply is bad and he needs to replace it to use any decent graphics card, as specified by the graphics card manufacturer.
And for it being a gross exaggeration, it is simply not true. A number of topics here have been about people having a non-sufficient PSU, and having the entire system die as a result of it. Its not a myth, at all. A simple google search will also yield similar stories.
So hey, block me and all the members that think having a bad PSU will blow up your computer, but then you'll be quite alone in this forum.
Sorry, Adam, for getting off track.