changing power supply? (fan/lowWattage)

[bwall76]

My computers fan seems to be making a wine sound that sounds as though it may be going out. I've added mem, dvdWriter, and second HD. My wattage is running lower than everything that requires it in computer now I believe and my fan seems to be taking a toll. Blew out the computer with air and got all dust out. My question here is that I've never changed the power supply and was wondering if any p.s. would fit my case. Looking to get ATX 300 watt or up supply. Will any ATX p.s. fit my system. Possibly getting bigger watt p.s. that can be used in other systems later. Not really worried about over doing wattage. Do I need to check the amount of connectors that the p.s. has or are all of them the same?

HP 8754c pavilion

 

[edfair]

They fall in several generic types. Best to pull the old one out and match it to what you are planning to buy.
HP generally uses the same type as emachines, small case and fan forcing air past the heatsink and probably a 140 to 170 watt supply.

A possibly better option would be to match a new case and power supply to the M/B. You may have to supply a different CD and floppy, but you have a better chance of getting a more mainstream P/S with more options for future expansion.

In general I've found that I can replace the case and power supply cheaper than I could replace the HP power supplies.

You could replace the fan. But generally the HP P/S uses a thinframe one , or a specially built one. But in any case you will want to do something shortly since a fan failure can lead to a pretty immediate power supply or CPU loss.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[bwall76]

edfair

if I remember right and from what you are saying, I just need to match the motherboard to the case for fitting reasons and check power supply options and availible bays for devices to make a case choice.

I guess what I'm asking is in general just check the motherboard fit to a case along with the other things listed, but motherboard fit is key.

Thanks

 

[edfair]

Disregarding the cost of the CD and floppy, yes, the fit is the thing. Particularly the ATX rear cover plate.
All the HPs I've converted used the standard ATX mounting post locations.

Don't panic about the extra connections. The FCC required system manufacturers to add extra connectors for the P4.

There are others with more experience converting HPs than I have but I think they will agree.

Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[bwall76]

If power supply is P4 ready is it backward compatible with a P3?