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PSU suggestions needed for Dell PC.

G

Gravestone Doji

Gawd
Joined
Mar 25, 2006
Messages
562
So I recently bought a Dell PC off eBay and now I want to upgrade the video card. But not sure I can do what is described below without upgrading the PSU.

I have a Dell Optiplex gx620 with a PentiumD 3.0 ghz CPU, 2 sticks x 1gb ram, 80 gb HD, CD-RW DVD-RW combo drive, ATI x600 SE PCIe video card, 305 watt PSU, no floppy drive.

I want to run a 3 monitor setup. I was thinking of installing a better PCIe video card to run run the main (middle) Flat-panel display. And then install a second video card into one of the regular open PCI slots to run two other (outer) Flat-panel displays. I would like to go with nVidia cards due to the NVIDIA nView™ Multi-Display Software.

I looked into the PNY GeForce 6600GT click here for specs for the PCIe card and the PNY Quadro NVS 280 PCI click here for specs to run the other two displays.

However, the PNY GeForce 6600GT specs say it requires a 350w PSU. And then running the additional PCI video card, I'm just wondering if I can get away with this setup without upgrading my PSU ? From what I've read the Dell Optiplex gx620 305 PSU is possibly proprietary and not easily upgradable.

I'd like to know what some experts in this forum would suggest.

Thank you.
 
www.pcpowerandcooling.com you can buy propriatory dell psu's there.

Also, I suggest against the PNY. I had nothing but bad experiences with pny. I'd stick to eVGA, BFG, or XFX.
 
Thanks for the heads up on PNY although the regular PCI PNY Quadro NVS 280 is probably not likely going to be a problem. As far as pcpowerandcooling.com they do not offer an upgraded power supply for my particular Dell PC. I called them and they said that they don't carry a PSU for the Optiplex gx620.

Is there any way I can tell for sure if my PSU will run the 3 flat-panel display setup I described? Or does anyone know if a standard ATX PSU will work in a Dell Optiplex gx620?
 
I'm not asking about powering the monitors. Of course monitors plug into an electical outlet. I was asking if the 305w PSU will be enough to power the two video cards I listed along with my current system configuration.

Dell doesn't offer an upgraded PSU for the Optiplex gx620 and either does pcpowerandcolling.com.

So the PSU can't be upgraded in a Dell Optiplex gx620?
Do I have to buy a whole new PC if I want to run high-end graphic cards?
Anyone know what other choices I have?
 
I was under the impression that Dell moved to standard PSUs starting with socket 478.
 
I was under the impression that Dell moved to standard PSUs starting with socket 478
Click to expand...

Dell power supplies manufactured between 1996 and 2000 do not follow the industry standard pinout and color codes. Read more about it HERE. That, of course, is not a guarantee that some current models of dells don't still use proprietary ATX connectors. What I can tell you for sure, is that regardless of the ATX pinout that you have on your Optiplex there is a good chance that a normal PSU won't physically fit into your Dell case. There are 4 models of Optiplex GX620 (click here to see them) and the largest of them is a mini tower. Personally I'd say you'd be very lucky if you could fit a normal size ATX PSU into the largest model GX620 while still having room for the CD-ROM cables. As for the smaller Optiplex GX620's, well, once you get those smaller cases things get more and more proprietary.

I don't want to make you feel too bad but what can i say besides, dood you got a Dell!
 
Thanks for the info. I have a the minitower version and I see what you mean by a standard ATX PSU not physically fitting into the case.

So am I correct in assuming that all ATX PSU's conform to some industry standard regarding the actual physical dimmensions and the mounting holes? If so, where can I find this information? It would seem that I should be able to just take a measuring tape to my current PSU and then compare it to the standard ATX PSU dimmensions and be able to tell if a standard ATX PSU wil fit.
 
Gravestone Doji said:
Thanks for the info. I have a the minitower version and I see what you mean by a standard ATX PSU not physically fitting into the case.

So am I correct in assuming that all ATX PSU's conform to some industry standard regarding the actual physical dimmensions and the mounting holes? If so, where can I find this information? It would seem that I should be able to just take a measuring tape to my current PSU and then compare it to the standard ATX PSU dimmensions and be able to tell if a standard ATX PSU wil fit.
Click to expand...


http://www.formfactors.org/developer\specs\PSU_DG_06.pdf section 12.2
 
It would seem that I should be able to just take a measuring tape to my current PSU and then compare it to the standard ATX PSU dimmensions and be able to tell if a standard ATX PSU wil fit.
Click to expand...

Correct, follow spectre's link and you'll find the dimensions.
 
Thanks for the helpful info. Now I just need to find me a measuring tape in mm. I did read in another recent post entitlled "Will this PSU work in my Setup?" that:

Unfortunately, "ATX" doesn't really define the "depth" of a power supply. That's why a PCP&C 1kW can be the size of a shoe box and still be "ATX." When it comes to size, only the width and height where it bolts to the back of the case is "standard."

This [H]ardforum is great. I'm really new to this site and already have learned a lot. Just wish I had known before I bought the Dell Optiplex gx620 that I would have these kinds of roadblocks with upgrading certain components.

Live -n- Learn
 
According to formfactors.org, section 12.2 of the ATX12V specification lists ATX PSU depth as 146.0 MM reference. Also, my trusty Upgrading and Repairing PC's book (8'th edition and 14'th edition) list the ATX form factor as simply 150mm x 140mm x 86 mm, (5.9"x 5.5"x 3.4") without any reference to recommended or required.

Basically what i'm saying is that yes, it seems that the "standard" 5.9"x 5.5"x 3.4" is only a guideline and that I'm sorry for giving you bad info :(
 
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