Need advice on power supplys

[bErEsTh]

I have a Dell 8100 that still has some life in it. Has 1.5gHZ pro., 2Ggs of RAM, 128mg video card. The power supply died. I was looking at the prices of some of them and was suprosed to find they can be in excess of $100. I do have some other power supplies lying around.
**Queston: Just wanted to know what is the variance of replacing power supplies. Does it always have to be replaced with the same wattage (ie 250w) or can there be some play. I would assume if there was, you could go above, not below. Thanks.

 

[ski]

You can go with a higher wattage unit, but do not go below.
Also, Dell systems may use special sized PS's, so be wary of possible fitment problems.
And make sure the replacement PS has the same number and type of connectors.

 

[rvnguy]

bErEsTh,

You should also be careful about some of the reported proprietary wiring schemes that DELL has used. You might have to obtain a DELL replacement if this is the case.

rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[paparazi]

Higher wattage is better, it means the PSU won't be working as hard and will generally last longer because less heat is produced.
I cannot stress how important "quality is" when purchasing a replacement.
But as others have pointed out Dells very often use "proprietory wiring" so check that the plug wiring is identical (often Dells have an extra wire)

Martin

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