Can I use an outside source power supply for my PC?

[freestylegreek]

I was talking to DELL tech about upgrading my power supply. Right now its a 250 watt power supply. I asked the guy about going to a computer store and getting a 400 watt or a 380 watt and he said DELL only has 250 and 300 watts. I ask can i get any brand and he told me to contact there parts dept which is closed for the weekend.

What I want to know is if DELL use proprietary power supplies or not. Meaning if it is proprietary that i must use a specific type/brand of power suppy and not just some generic brand one size fits all power supplies that you see in those self built computer systems.

BTW My DELL is a Demension 8200 250 watt power supply 1.8ghz and 512RDram.

[Capmaster]

If you had a Compaq desktop I'd be more concerned ...especially with earlier models. They were notorious for proprietary hardware. But the Dell should take an aftermarket PS just fine. He was probably just reciting the party line .."be on the safe side and buy genuine Dell" ...and pay three times as much as it's worth

I'd get a good Antec PS if I were you

[freestylegreek]

Well i can get lets say an 380 antec? What about what he said about the power supply i get from outside of Dell might fluxuate.

[Capmaster]

I'd sooner trust an Antec PS than one sold by Dell Just make sure the ATX power connector is the same on your existing MB. If it's a rectangular 2-row plastic connector about 1-3/4 or 2 inches by about 3/4 inch, it's most likely the industry standard and the ANtec should work just fine

[freestylegreek]

Ya but then again i dont want to take a risk of the powersupply flauxating and then my computer is fried.

I'll what they recommend mentioning that I dont want to purchase there's. I rather go to the computer store near me.

[budz]

Read this article on DELL computers:
http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.asp?p=339053

I would strongly suggest you contact DELL regarding upgrading your power supply. It would be best to purchase one from DELL than the Antec power supply. Don't get me wrong because Antec makes the best power supplies. You could run the risk of frying your pc if you purchase a power supply other than a DELL one.

[freestylegreek]

Well lets say DELL say's it's safe to upgrade the power supply from an outside source then i can do that.

Interesting article.

Thank You.

[jimmalenko]

Interesting question

Well-worded, too

[Silvas]

You might have trouble getting an aftermarket PS to fit in the case. A guy that works for me tried to replace the PS in his Dell (no idea what model) and it wouldn't fit the case. He wound up buying one off Ebay for next to nothing. You could probably modify the case to make it fit. Would be worth it to get the bigger wattage.

Good luck.

[freestylegreek]

Well last time i was speaking to DELL I asked them whats the biggest wattage i can get? They said 300 watts and I asked if there was any bigger for it and they said something about the computer not being able to handle it.

[rallynavvie]

http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/products/power_supplies/selector/dell.htm

These are makers of some of the finest power supplies on the market. They have a 425W available for your model Dell. Theirs are compatable. Puts out 20A on the 12v rail

[freestylegreek]

Well im going to have a look and see what the people at DELL Parts and Services say.