Install New Power Supply
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Install New Power Supply
Dell Dimension 8200
I noticed the fan isn't working on my power supply so I ordered a new supply, came yesterday. Only thing the manual mentions is to take note of how the wires are routed. Any thing else I should watch for? Never did this before.
Also, I have a small craftsman compressor, 1HP I think and it is 'oil -less" . Can I use this to blow out the dust or should I use air in the can? I'm not sure if anyone in town sells it.
Thanks
I noticed the fan isn't working on my power supply so I ordered a new supply, came yesterday. Only thing the manual mentions is to take note of how the wires are routed. Any thing else I should watch for? Never did this before.
Also, I have a small craftsman compressor, 1HP I think and it is 'oil -less" . Can I use this to blow out the dust or should I use air in the can? I'm not sure if anyone in town sells it.
Thanks
#2
I myself would use the air in a can. Walmart usually sells it if you have one close to you. As far as the power supply goes, it doesn't matter all that much as to where the wires are routed as long as the ATX cable reaches the ATX plug on the board, and the 4 pin (two yellow, 2 black wire) plug reaches where the old one is plugged into. Just carefully unplug, and unscrew the old one from the computer, take it out, put the new one in, then plug in the cables that are needed. Should take roughly 20 minutes. If you have any problems let me know and I'll try and help.
Cory
Cory
#3
IF you have to use the compressor, turn the outlet pressure down to less than 10 psi with a dead ended hose. That way you won't blow all your data into the next county.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I think 100# would get more dust out. I called Ace Hardware and they have one can. We do have a small place that sells computers but they are only open Monday and Tuesday.
I sure hope the power supply is the correct one, I ordered it from Dell. It has seven plugs coming out of it that go somewhere, I'm sure I'll find out when I open the case. If I had any brains I'd have ordered some air from Dell at the same time.
Thanks guys,
Baldwin
I sure hope the power supply is the correct one, I ordered it from Dell. It has seven plugs coming out of it that go somewhere, I'm sure I'll find out when I open the case. If I had any brains I'd have ordered some air from Dell at the same time.
Thanks guys,
Baldwin
#6
Their power supplies were proprietary. They no longer are. Dell stopped doing that I wanna say after the Dimension 8200 or 8300. I don't remember when. I replaced a power supply in my ex roomates dell with a power supply from a custom built computer just about a year ago. Still running strong today.
#8
Member
Thread Starter
No Joy...Won't Fit
Good thing I took a look before opening the case.
On my old supply, looking from the back.....
1)fan on the right
2) AC plug on top left
3) Voltage selector below
On the new one......
1) Fan on right
2) On/off switch on top
3) Voltage selector below
4) AC plug bottom left (with NO knockout on back plate for plug)
I suppose a person could take a dremel and cut out a rectangle space so the AC cord could plug in. Not sure what is in there.
Call Dell and see if they have a different one? And if they do send a new one I think I should order a new case fan at the same time, this one is 9 years old.
I knew it wouldn't be easy. Now to try and explain this to some foreigner.
Baldwin
On my old supply, looking from the back.....
1)fan on the right
2) AC plug on top left
3) Voltage selector below
On the new one......
1) Fan on right
2) On/off switch on top
3) Voltage selector below
4) AC plug bottom left (with NO knockout on back plate for plug)
I suppose a person could take a dremel and cut out a rectangle space so the AC cord could plug in. Not sure what is in there.
Call Dell and see if they have a different one? And if they do send a new one I think I should order a new case fan at the same time, this one is 9 years old.
I knew it wouldn't be easy. Now to try and explain this to some foreigner.
Baldwin
#9
Member
Thread Starter
After going to 'Dell Chat' and conversing with technician Deepika, he suggested I order this:
DELL Refurbished: 250-Watt PFC Power Supply for Select Dell Dimension / OptiPlex / Precision WorkStation : Parts & Upgrades | Dell
That sure doesn't look like anything I have. Any suggestions?
As much as I hate these smiley things I can't help it.......
Beer 4U2
Baldwin
DELL Refurbished: 250-Watt PFC Power Supply for Select Dell Dimension / OptiPlex / Precision WorkStation : Parts & Upgrades | Dell
That sure doesn't look like anything I have. Any suggestions?
As much as I hate these smiley things I can't help it.......
Beer 4U2
Baldwin
#10
Member
Thread Starter
I found one to fit a 8200 but it is 400W vs 250W for the original, does that matter?
250W they sent me:
+3.3V (20A)
+5V (25A)
+12V (13A)
-5V (0.3A)
-12V (0.8A)
+5 VSB (2.0A)
================
400W
Current -12.0V (A) 1A
Current +12.0V1 (A) 14A
Current +12.0V2 (A) 15A
Current +3.3V (A) 30A
Current +5.0V (A) 28A
Current +5.0Vsb (A) 2.5A
Output Power 400
=====================
Is it okay to have the higher amps and how long till this supply bursts into flames with no fan working?
Thanks
250W they sent me:
+3.3V (20A)
+5V (25A)
+12V (13A)
-5V (0.3A)
-12V (0.8A)
+5 VSB (2.0A)
================
400W
Current -12.0V (A) 1A
Current +12.0V1 (A) 14A
Current +12.0V2 (A) 15A
Current +3.3V (A) 30A
Current +5.0V (A) 28A
Current +5.0Vsb (A) 2.5A
Output Power 400
=====================
Is it okay to have the higher amps and how long till this supply bursts into flames with no fan working?
Thanks
#11
The 400-watt supply beats the 250 in every spec (as it should). The -5v is missing from the 400w specs, btw.
A power supply doesn't push current or wattage. It allows devices to pull only what they need. The computer will only draw what it needs, so no need to worry about burning anything.
Cheap 12v muffin fans are widely available and can be connected to the +12 and ground. A 400-watt supply could power as many as you could cram into the cabinet. Realistically, four will usually do the job: Two sucking from the front, and two exhausting at the rear. Make sure one of the exhaust fans is cooling the power supply.
A power supply doesn't push current or wattage. It allows devices to pull only what they need. The computer will only draw what it needs, so no need to worry about burning anything.
Cheap 12v muffin fans are widely available and can be connected to the +12 and ground. A 400-watt supply could power as many as you could cram into the cabinet. Realistically, four will usually do the job: Two sucking from the front, and two exhausting at the rear. Make sure one of the exhaust fans is cooling the power supply.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
More reading and I'm gonna order this one:
PROVANTAGE: StarTech.com ATXPW400DELL 400 Watt ATX12V 2.01 Dell PC Power Supply
This is compatible in the Dimension 1100 up to the 8300. Reading reviews they go right in the 8200 and work fine. Only complaint is too many outlet wires you have to tuck away.
I'm thinking the one they sent me is for after the 8300.
PROVANTAGE: StarTech.com ATXPW400DELL 400 Watt ATX12V 2.01 Dell PC Power Supply
This is compatible in the Dimension 1100 up to the 8300. Reading reviews they go right in the 8200 and work fine. Only complaint is too many outlet wires you have to tuck away.
I'm thinking the one they sent me is for after the 8300.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
My brain hurts.....hopefully this will be the last question on this. On the supply I plan to buy it says this:
1 x 4-pin ATX12V
1 x 24-pin ATX Motherboard
Is the one in red what some places call the "P4 connector"?
Flirty, that's a great site, can't believe I didn't run across it whilst searching. They are a bit spendy though.
Thanks! I can't believe how something seemingly so simple can be so difficult thanks to the incompetents at Dell.
Edit: reason I ask is the other site has this and they seem to be the same thing, at least to me:
One ATX connector (20/24 pin)
One 12V connector for P4 motherboards
1 x 4-pin ATX12V
1 x 24-pin ATX Motherboard
Is the one in red what some places call the "P4 connector"?
Flirty, that's a great site, can't believe I didn't run across it whilst searching. They are a bit spendy though.
Thanks! I can't believe how something seemingly so simple can be so difficult thanks to the incompetents at Dell.
Edit: reason I ask is the other site has this and they seem to be the same thing, at least to me:
One ATX connector (20/24 pin)
One 12V connector for P4 motherboards
Last edited by Baldwin; 01-31-10 at 11:48 AM. Reason: Forgot This
#15
The 4 Pin "P4" is the same as the ATX 12V they started calling ATX 12V because AMD and all of the newer Motherboards now use that connector (Not just for Pentium 4 anymore, it was when it first came out though)
And as you noticed the 20+4 Pin as it is called is the same as 24 Pin ATX but the 20+4 Pin has a removable 4 pin block to fit into the 20 Pin ATX connector on older boards
Oh also do not plug the extra 4 pins from the 20+4 pin Connector into the ATX 12V plug as it will fry the motherbiard
And as you noticed the 20+4 Pin as it is called is the same as 24 Pin ATX but the 20+4 Pin has a removable 4 pin block to fit into the 20 Pin ATX connector on older boards
Oh also do not plug the extra 4 pins from the 20+4 pin Connector into the ATX 12V plug as it will fry the motherbiard
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Alright, I actually understand that. I finally got something right!
I hope not. I'm gonna take pictures and label every wire before I unhook anything. I'm sure after doing this just once it will be no big deal, I just haven't done it before. I get the whiskey jitters just opening the case.
Thanks very much!
$7.49 for a can of air at Ace. Wow!
Oh also do not plug the extra 4 pins from the 20+4 pin Connector into the ATX 12V plug as it will fry the motherboard
Thanks very much!
$7.49 for a can of air at Ace. Wow!