Dell says I can't use a larger power supply!???

[newbeJill]

HEY
I have a Dell that came with a 200W power supply. I think I'm pushing it with all my PC toys. I contacted Dell and they said, "Duuu....We don't have a larger one for your system. So I guess, Duuuuu....your board wont support a larger on." I called them back and said, "If I find a larger supply with the same type of connecters that fits my case would that work?" They responded with, "Dell Online Services only has resources available to provide
technical and warranty support and information for equipment and
software that ships preinstalled on your Dell system. We cannot
provide accurate advice or information on this type of issue.
We can tell you however, that any change or upgrade to the power
supply, system board, or proccessor, will void the service contract on
your computer. Since these components are designed to work together in
the specific configurations that Dell ships, any changes to these can
damage the system components.
Whats a person to do?
MY SYSTEM:
Dell Dimension XPS T450
3 128MB DIMMs
3 9.1GB 7200rpm WD on a PCI ULTRA/66 card
CDROM/DVD
CD-RW
250MB ZIP
Floppy
Voodoo 3 300 AGP
Platinum Storm sound card
PCI slot cooler
duel fan graphic card cooler
want to add a TV tuner card and a 80mm fan on top of the tower (blow hole)
Does this sound like I'm maxing my 200W supply? Thanks, Jill

[This message has been edited by newbeJill (edited 05-04-2000).]

[BC]

If that is the case just get a second PS to run the toys. And keep the dell one to run system stuff like boards and stuff.

JAT

[newbeJill]

To Banti - Party Pooper, but thanks for the waranty info.

[jad1097]

Yes you are pushing it with that PSU. But then again aren't you voiding the warranty by adding a TV tuner card? They say it is upgradeable but when you do upgrade it you void your warranty? That is BS if I ever heard it.

If you put in a bigger PSU and find down the road you need warranty work then put the old one back in before they fix it.

I don't see how adding a bigger PSU will damage your system. If anything it may increase it 's life span by not putting more stress on the existing PSU.

[newbeJill]

Thanks for the info. jad1097. Everyones info. helps. Thanks, Jill

[Bleeding Edge]

A word of caution.

Take a look at the power supply connection at the board. There may actually be two. The primary connector and an additional secondary connector.

If this is a typical Dell OEM Intel board, one of the twenty pins that carries/accepts a set voltage will not be present on the motherboard and in the primary connector of the power supply. The six pin secondary connector will have altered pin assignments.

If you have such a MB and PS, you can possibly try a new higher wattage supply but make certain it has the secondary power connector. And even if it does, I seriously doubt it will work. It may even cause irreparable damage.

You'll have to check all the pin assignments and be certain the correct voltage is going to the correct pins and figure out where the voltage to that missing pin is suppose to be supplied to.

[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 05-04-2000).]

[thxmanu]

Well Jill, I would have to say that PS is quite close to the max. I like BC's idea only I would change it a little (of course all depends on your config). I would say to get an external enclosure for your CD's, but, if they are IDE, which they probably are, this won't work. There's always the option of getting a new PS and putting the old one back if you need support. Kind of sneaky but hey... Looks like one monster system though.

[newbeJill]

Thanks thxmanu.

[thxmanu]

You're very welcome!

[Banti]

If your blow hole involves cutting, you will void the waranty as well.


Banti