PSU for slim computer help

K

karder

New Member
Recently got an Acer Aspire x1200 (slim) and need to upgrade graphics a bit. Problem is, current power supply is only 220w and most graphics cards recommend or require quite a bit more. Hence the need to upgrade. Where can I find power supplies for my computer? Preferably above 400w.

All help is very appreciated.
 
I find that small a supply rather odd considering those see 4gb of DDR2 memory along with an AMD dual core cpu on a model just recently introduced. But you are looking at a proprietary case(AT not atx format) where everything is prepackaged according to their energy effeciency design.

That doesn't seem like it would take any standard atx supply where you can simply swap out the factory original in order to see a much heftier 500-700w supply go in. This was often the problem with the older Dells and other prebuilds where the only options were provided by the manufacturer.

With a custom build you can swap anything out while you are forced to stick to what Acer has there unfortunately. The bad news simply put is "what you see is what you get".
 
Ok, well if that's the case, how about if I attempt to have the power supply externally? Will taht work?

Maybe this is a stupid question but is there a limit to how much "watts" a motherboard can handle? Not looking for THAT much but don't want to sit there with a burned motherboard...

Anyone know what kind of connection the power supply in the x1200 has?
 
A board doesn't burn up simply because you swap one supply for a larger model. A larger supply will simply run warmed especially inside a small case like a mini tower where the air flow is generally limited.

Any standard atx supply is designed to be installed inside a case instead of trying to spice wires to add length to those in order to run a supply outside of the case. Again the load the board and other hardwares, drives place on a supply is what draws current from a supply. A supply doesn't simply push power into a board by itself unless you are seeing some type of direct short to ground somewhere.

I wouldn't assume the supply there is using a standard atx 20+4pin main power connector without a look inside. Since the supplies are low powered for what the system comes with Acer probably made sure only their own supplies can replace what goes into them new. That's similar to what Dell did with their own pattern for mounting years back where you could only buy their supplies due to a custom bolt pattern for mounting them.
 
Ok, I understand that. But my question remains: Can I use a PSU externally instead and if YES, which one would be most recommended? Looking for around 500w.

please help me solve this issue...
 
A 220w is going to be smaller in size as a rule unless you can yank that out and place it next to a typical atx model and look over the mounting as well as main power connector. This will show if the case allows for a standard atx replacement.

The main power connector would be expected to be the now standard 24pin(20+4) configuration while the space for mounting would be the hot item to look at. If there are preformed rails for the supply if that is lower in height then a typical atx supply that will prevent mounting while still allowing you to stretch wires in from the outside of the case.

There are basically those two things with the first being mounting and the reason why internal supplies are intended to be mounted inside not used outside namely the length of the harness seen on any standard atx model. While you generally see a bit of slack when tucking the harness off to one side that still doesn't mean several inches left over to allow reaching in.
 
simply put, no.

And even if the PSU is more. The graphics card probably wont fit. Wide/Long cards are a no-no with small cases.
 
The product information seen shows one standard PCI-E 16x slot is there. But the design is rather restricted if you compare it to any gaming case you could put together yourself. It was never intended for any high ending by manufacturer's intent there explaining the low power supply to begin with.

One idea for finding out just what make and model is used there would be the free System Info for Windows tool that comes in two versions. The stand alone is simply run from any folder with a double click while the other creates a folder in the Start>Programs. http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/SIW.shtml

Once you know the make and model you can look the specifications up and see for yourself what the board supports as far as upgrading.
 
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