Hey guys. I have asked some questions concerning upgrading my Dell power supply before and I could use some more help.
I have a Dell XPS 200 which is a small form factor case and the PS is 275W. There is NO larger PS that will fit this case, and I am not ready to build a new system, as I spent close to $1500 on this system in 2006. It has a 3.2 GHZ dual core with 3GB of RAM and I also just put in a 1TB HDD so I do not want a new system for a couple of years again.
I have also upgraded the video card to an ATI HD 2400 PRO which is supposed to require a 300W PS but runs fine most of the time. What happens is, whenever I use my Microsoft XBox 360 wireless adapter (usb) or sometimes when I am running Beyond TV (resource HOG), my computer will shut down. I know this is because I am drawing too much power and my PC is getting too hot and then failing. If I am just running basic programs, it runs fine.
What I am going to do is buy a larger PS (with the Dell PS adapter) and connect it outside my case. I realize this is probably slightly dangerous, but I have no other options left (thanks Dell).
I’m thinking I will gorilla tape (strong duct tape) it to the top of my case and buy longer cables if necessary. I am not worried about anyone getting electrocuted (except myself of course, lol) because, I live alone and no one really comes in close contact with my PC. I also have a air compressor in my shop and open and dust my PC weekly, if not almost daily.
I would like some advice, however, if anyone has ever done something like this (installed a PS outside of their case) and can give me some help or pointers. Or, if there are other options to increase my power so I can avoid anymore power failures.
Thanks guys!
