Power Supply Question

[MelissaY]

Hi People...

I cant sign in with my older user name (SparkleSpice), so here I am "MelissaY"

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 with a 250W power supply. The fan has been making a lot of noise. I've been tweaking it with the tip of a pair of scissors to get it to stop, but it gets loud again every so often (yes, I know, bad girl).

At first I thought it was the CPU fan making the noise, replaced it, but soon found out it wasnt even malfunctioning.

OK...so now I've tried to locate the exact same model as the original power supply but can only find refurbished one's...and I dont want a refurbished one, I want a new one.

I found a website and input my pc info and they recommended for me to buy an upgraded 410W power supply. I bought it and it's been in the box for two weeks. Why? Because when I wanted to make sure I was replacing it correctly (that I didnt need to set the BIOS or hardware stuff); Dell tech support told me that they dont recommened the 410W power supply because it's the 250W power supply that will run optimally with my system. They told me that the upgraded power supply has the potential to make my system crash, saying; it might damage some internal components in the system.

I dont know if this is correct; I've read all over the internet that upgrading the power supply will not damage the system and I've read and been told it will...I'm confused. Can you tell me the best to your knowledge what is correct?

Thanks! MelissaY

[Gizmokid2005]

No, putting a larger power supply will NOT damage the system. Say it only takes 100W to run EVERYTHING in your computer, using a 500W power supply will NOT damage it.

I currently have a 450W PS and I know I don't need that much and it's been running for 6 months. I can almost gaurantee that a lot of other people are using "overpowered" power supplys without issues.

[MelissaY]

Thanks gizmokid...
I wonder, then, why the fuh-zuk does Dell say that...? Ugh!!! I read what you said elsewhere too, I just trust you more than reading it from elsewhere. Thanks, thanks, thanks...Ciao & Smooches!!! Melissa

[acruxksa]

Dell wants you to buy your PSU from them so they can charge you more than you paid for the 410W psu and only give you a 250W psu.

Also,
In general the first level of tech support doesn't know anything about computers. If it says the computer came with a Dell mouse and Keyboard, they will recommend a Dell Mouse and Keyboard. It's all written down for them and they can't deviate from the script.

[Gizmokid2005]

Yup. Acruxksa speaks the truth on that. I work in tech support, but it's for a local internet company.

They say that so they can make more money off of you. Good luck with the PSU.

[MelissaY]

Hi again...

Listen, I cant thank you all enough. I found your website 2-3 years ago via a google search when I realized I had spy/adware. To this day I have upkept my pc and your team has helped me get out from between a rock and a hard place. That's what I like about your website; no pre-madonna attitudes, helpful, knowledgable, friendly, and you put everything in English so I can understand it. What you said about Dell makes sense, even though I'm very happy with their pc and service; some of the stuff I've heard is what youve just said.

Ciao!!! Smooches!!! Melissa