Calling all you computer geeksFollow

So my video card burned out over the weekend. I had an ATI 700x previously installed which I bought the day after thanksgiving 2 years ago for like $50. I went with Nvidia this time around and got a good deal on the 7600GS AGP card for like $99. I had it installed and so far so good. My concern is for my power supply. The video card requires a minimum of 350Watts as far as the PSU goes. My current PSU is 350 Watts...lol. Obviously I need to make a change and NOW. For now I have the side of the case of and am operating with maximum ventilation as I suspect the PSU is what burned out my last card. I noticed an extremely loud humming before it went tits up.

My PC is 6 years old and I have spent a lot of time and energy keeping it up to date in order to make it last these past 6 years. It still is a pretty good computer given its age.

What I am looking for is an opinion on what PSU unit to pick up.

Some specs:

2.57GHz Processor
Nvidia 7600GS AGP video card
60g Hard drive
350 Watt PSU
Windows XP
Motherboard (not sure actually...still stock from 6 years ago
2 memory slots (512 in one slot and 1g in the other)

This is a PSU I am seriously considering Thermaltake Purepower 500W PSU

Has anyone had any experience with this PSU? It is on sale at my local geek store at $69.99 in store and a $25 mail-in-rebate.

My one concern with this unit is that it comes with a nicer fan than I currently have, I am just not sure if my PC tower will accomodate any fan larger than 8cm. This one comes with a 12cm one. even if I can't use the fan, I still think this unit is especially good for the price.

Any thoughts?

Power Supplies are one of my weak points, but I will offer that the Wattage isn't the only thing that makes a power supply. You need to make sure you're getting a good distribution among the different voltages (which are 12,5 and 3.3). I'll let someone else go into greater detail.

If you scroll to the bottom of the link I provided there is a drop fown box with some categories. If you go the performance category it will lay out the voltage and the distribution extensively just inc ase someone else asks this same question. I am still learning about PSU so it was a little hard for me to comprehend. I think I got the gist though.

I would say they are usually very simple, but that's just me.

You may actually want to think about a newer case, older cases tend not to have the same ventilation as newer ones, with the new card and larger power supply you may actually be running into heat problems. That'll kill a vid card pretty quickly.

Edit: Despite the above you'll be just fine throwing that PSU into your existing case.

Edit 2: Make sure you have the same connection on your motherboard as the new PSU, if you have the old style connection (Extremely unlikely) you could have a problem.

Edited, Nov 13th 2007 12:07pm by Yodabunny

Edited, Nov 13th 2007 12:09pm by Yodabunny

to be blunt with that old set of hardware, there is no need for mega cooling like there is in a more modern hardware set for high end gaming. do not waist the money on a case and a seperate PSU. if you have a wholesaler in your area that sells cases with PSUs pre-installed and you just MUST have a new case go that route, otherwise do not waist the money until you are building/buying a new computer that will need the larger air flow.

If you continue to do this, I suggest going to Home Depot and buying a length of screen. You know, the stuff they use in screened porches and doors? Apply it to the side. It doesn't have to be air tight or anything, just tight enough to keep insects and things out.

Go with whatever screen has the smallest holes. It'll reduce dust intake as well.

Yeah I know. It sucks. Nothing I can really do either to get it straightened out. I don't feel comfortbale going in and messing with any of that stuff because I am just trying to keep the PC alive at this point. I need another year and a half before I can start building the new one (components wise anyway). I am buying the tower in the spring.

True.

Try to get ahold of a real life geek friend. Chances are he's got a can or two of compressed air. It will remove all the dust you can't really see. I was surprised as hell the first time I used the stuff. I thought I had caught pretty much everything of the dust, but just decided to try it out. Foom, and my table (where the semi-dissected case was lying) was covered in a veil of dust, and more was gently falling on me like a very nasty case of black dandruff.

That crap will make overheating a serious problem if your computer haven't already a high amount of ventslots.