Do i need a new power supply

timjj22 · Rated PG-13 Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 38

ok, so i currently have a system that looks like this:

DELL E521
Stock Mobo AM2 socket
AMD athalon x2 4200+ 2.2 GHz
230 GB HDD
HD 4670 1 GB DDR3
3 GB of DDR2 RAM
305W PSU

If i wanted to plug in a AMD athalon x2 6000+, would i need a new PSU?
Also would i be able to run it? BIOS updates?

Thanks in advance

anonemus · Posted: Tue, 05 May 2009 00:56:26 Post Subject:

I'd bet that even if you put in a 100+w CPU, your Dell 305 PSU can handle it, tim.

As to BIOS update, it's always good to flash to latest version when putting in new processor.

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Tue, 05 May 2009 08:51:33 Post Subject:

Saw this thread where some say you can't upgrade that high, while others say they have done it...

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/250684-28-upgrading-dell-dimesion-e521-question

Looks possible with a BIOS update, as already suggested.

PSU should be fine... If the whole system is teetering on the edge of stability due to just a CPU upgrade then you might want to consider an upgrade of that anyway.

(TSC)Bender · Rated NC-17 Joined: 11 Feb 2008 Posts: 162

Found this power consumption chart on a 6000+ review. Note that this is total system power consumption, not just the processor.

Assuming that all that changed between the systems is the processor, there's a 40 watt difference between the 4600+ and the 6000+ at load. Probably even bigger difference with the 4200+. Not sure how much wattage your current system uses, but I bet it'll be a close fit. What brand is your PSU? Higher quality ones handle the upper wattage limit better.

sbrehm72255 · Posted: Tue, 05 May 2009 11:14:27 Post Subject:

Best thing for you to do is go to your local hardware store and buy a Kill-A-Watt voltage/wattage reader that plugs into the wall outlet and check the total wattage of your system just to be safe. They run maybe $20 or so and are well worth the money spent.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001&Tpk=kill%20a%20watt

nolonger · Rated R Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 98

I'm pretty sure you could run it, but if you want to be on the safe side, get this BFG Tech 550W PSU for $79,99 ($59,99 after rebate).

After doing some calculations on what I know, it seems you'll be using around 281W of power at 90% peak. Go ahead and calculate for yourself as I'm not sure if it's 1 or 2 HD's you have and if any disk readers. Calculator can be found here. Now, a 20W window is very small and with some extra capacitor aging, you could get even less power, so be careful.

**~*77*~** · Posted: Tue, 05 May 2009 12:31:33 Post Subject:

You guys are also looking at power on the AC side with some of these comments...

timjj22 · Rated PG-13 Joined: 19 Apr 2009 Posts: 38

all i have is the stock PSU from DELL

it is also about 4 years old

SUSHRUKH · Rated NC-17 Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 137

I think youcan run safely but you should buy yourself a new PSU,atleast a 500W.

zachig · Rated XXX Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 313

It really depends if you plan on future upgrading your current setup, except the current upgrade of the CPU.

I think you should be just fine, even though I suspect the PSU is a bit 'edgy'.

Just to be on the safe side, I'd go with a new Good Qualify from an known brand <400W PSU and like said before, if you plan on future upgrades (mainly of a Video Card), then go with at least 500W or even 600W (really depends on the video card you'll have). Rolling Eyes

Hope this helps... Wink