skip to main content

Power supply replacement

11 years ago

We have a Compaq DX4200E9 and I believe it may have a failing power supply. When powered up the machine doesn't even try to boot, and when the unit failed it did it over a period of two or three days, booting sometimes and not others. I turned it on with the cover off and the fans wouldn't even keep turning.

The power supply that is there is Model #FSP300-60TGA(1) and is made by FSP Group Inc. for Acer. (I assume that the computer is one that Compaq got when it took over Acer.)

I've been told by a computer technician that as long as the cables match any 300 W power supply will suffice. But I gather that a slightly larger power supply, say, 350 W, could be useful, although we really only need a decent e-machine, no gaming or such.One power supply sold by Amazon as a replacement for mine is 500 W! Couldn't I hurt something with that? Or is excess capacity simply unused?

This is the unit I think I should buy:

http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/300-watt-power-supply-FSP300-60THN.php

Anybody know anything about the company selling it?

Advice and experience much appreciated!

Thank you.

Featured Answer

zep516

11 years ago

excess capacity would be unused. Do not know anything about the company.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

User
11 years ago
It surely won't hurt to have a larger power supply. You do need to be careful, some manufacturers computers won't except a Standard Power Supply. I have a Dell sitting in my Repair Room that will only except a certain Power Supply. I have however worked on a number of manufactured computers and had no problem replacing with a standard power supply, just check your measurements against theirs. Also make sure that the picture of the back where you would screw it in matches the back on the psu you're looking at! Here is a Link for a 430w PSU that's $10 cheaper after a Rebate. Corsair CX430m 430w BTW, it's offered by a company most of us are familiar with!
marknmt thanked User
Related Discussions
power supply question
Q
Comments (10)
A higher wattage power supply offers the option of added external gadgets that would be powered through the USB connection with far less fear of failure. For anyone who might be curious about their power needs here is a chart to fill in to see your minimum needs for power. Newer and more powerful computers need larger wattage in power supplies to run smoothly. However the quality of the power supply is also important. This is one of those cases where heavier is better because you would have more substantial components in the heavier PS. A few years ago eMachines had terrible power supplies and when they failed at an alarming rate there were many that took out the motherboard with them making the computer useless because replacement motherboards were not available.
...See More
magnavox tv/vcr/dvd combo
Q
Comments (0)
Model Number MWC24T5 24 inch This TV is just a little over a year, used only about 5 times. It has no sound or pic. A repairman came to the house, said it was the power supply and replaced the part. TV worked for two days then the same thing happened. The same TV repairman came to the house and said that there was a wire loose, and tighten it. Another couple of days, the same thing no pic or sound. The same repairman came to the house, said he would have to take it in. He never came back and closed up shop. Through the Consumer Protection Agency I was able to get my TV back but with the same problem. Since it's not worth it to pay someone else to repair it nor is it worth it for me to file a law suit, I was wondering if anyone has any idea what the problem might be and/or what I can check for.
...See More
Follow on Power Supply repair question
Q
Comments (5)
If you hover the link and observe the target displayed in the status area (Out of habit, I always do), you'll see what was wrong with the link. I believe the editor (a plugin called summernote) botched the link. . Like it'll botch this one... I ate a peach.It was good. (I did not purposely insert a link, just missed a space, the editor tried to guess my intent and got it wrong.)
...See More
Cleaning fan on power supply
Q
Comments (17)
I did replace the power supply this afternoon, taking careful note of what plugged in where and snapping a couple photos before I took the old one out. At first I thought the fan on the new one wasn't working either, because it was so much more quiet, but it actually was spinning. So far, the computer seems to be working fine. Miracles, as they say, will never cease! I did have a bit of trouble pushing the little plug things in, but apparently I just wasn't pushing hard enough. I occasionally have problems with Windows not booting up properly after the computer has been unplugged for some reason--and that did happen this time. But that seemed to be the only problem, and it did boot up fine when I tried again. For some reason, the computer always changes the date back to 2002 during those episodes and I have to reset it. The first time that happened, I tried to access Google and was informed that Google didn't have a proper license. Perhaps it didn't back then! Thanks again, everybody, for all your help.
...See More
marknmt
Original Author
11 years ago
I'm grateful for the clarifications.

A friend with some experience has a probably suitable power supply in his junk drawer and is happy for me to take it and try it out. If it solves my problem the diagnostics part is over, and if it doesn't no harm done.

You guys have made it easier for me to gain traction on this and get some confidence. Thanks again.
User
11 years ago
Good luck marknmt. Hope everything goes as expected. Usually not very hard to swap out a Power Supply, just take your time. Make sure you've got everything plugged in before you try to start the computer again! Again, Good Luck!
marknmt thanked User
jemdandy
11 years ago
About those fans that won't turn. These may have contributed to the demise of the power supply. It does need adequate cooling. These fans operate independently of the rest of the system. Fans slowing, maybe growing, or quitting after a couple of years is a common problem with those small pancake fans. The usual culprit is dry bearings, or bearings that have collected dirt.
marknmt thanked jemdandy
marknmt
Original Author
11 years ago
" ... bearings that have collected dirt."

Afraid I'm guilty.
copanolady
11 years ago
Ditto~ how about using a vacuum cleaner tool on the fan area and keyboard. Is that OK to do? I'm afraid my fan is not working properly either.
kudzu9
11 years ago
Using compressed air in a can is often better than vacuuming...
marknmt thanked kudzu9
marknmt
Original Author
11 years ago
I tried my swap but one of the connectors was wrong- I needed two square, four-wire plugs (I don't know what for!) and only had one, so it's back to the well.

Otherwise I think it would have worked.

Thanks again for all the help.
copanolady
11 years ago
Compressed air directly on the fan? Seem like that would drive the dirt (cat hair) into the computer and cause more problems.....no? That's why I thought a vacuum to pull out the dirt would work better. Tell me if I'm wrong.
kudzu9
11 years ago
copanolady-

This is a desktop computer and the case is going to be removed if a power supply is going to be replaced. I would use compressed air to blow out everything rather than run a nozzle around the interior and possibly suck in a cable or something. If you are trying to vacuum the computer through the vents without removing the case, you won't do a very good job.

Related Stories

LIFE Your First-Aid, Emergency and Medical Supply Checklist

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t wait until you need them to stock your first-aid kit and emergency stash. Here’s what to get and where to keep it

GREEN BUILDING Off the Grid: Ready to Pull the Plug on City Power?

By Jen Dalley //

What to consider if you want to stop relying on public utilities — or just have a more energy-efficient home

KITCHEN STORAGE Pulling Power: Clever Drawer Tactics for a Kitchen

It’s not how many drawers you have in your kitchen; it’s how they work for you

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

DIY PROJECTS 14 Power Tools for the Home Shop

By Susan Stieglitz

Want the thrill of building it yourself? These "big guns" help the handy homeowner tackle just about any job

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: A Tidy Roundup of Cleaning Supplies

By Jennifer Young

Practical and pretty cleansers and cleaning accessories to make housecleaning chores a pleasure

KITCHEN DESIGN Displaying Kitchen Supplies — Hot or Not?

By Lisa Frederick

Do some kitchens just beg for a cozy row of canisters and gear for all to see? Have a look and let us know what you think

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Smart Storage for Collections and Craft Supplies

By handsoccupied

Organize to your heart’s content with creative solutions for keeping all kinds of things neat

DIY PROJECTS How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Swap out an old faucet to give your kitchen a new look — it's a DIY project even a beginner can do

FURNITURE Old Furniture: Clean, Reupholster or Replace It?

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

A veteran upholstery cleaner weighs in on the options for found, inherited and thrift store furniture

Sponsored

AIS Renovations

15 Reviews

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1