How to Install a Power Supply

Whether your upgrading to higher wattage power supply or replacing an existing one the installation is the same. Just make sure if its an upgrade your motherboard can support it. Most motherboards can handle a 450watt without too much trouble. The purpose in upgrading is to handle the higher wattage newer graphic cards demand.

Step 1 – If your computer is not turned off make sure you properly shutdown your computer. For this article I will assume you have your new power supply and are ready to install it.

Step 2 – Remove the side panel and lay the computer down flat. I find it easier to work on them when they are laying down flat.

Step 3 – Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard. Also, disconnect all the power connectors from the drives. If there is a connector from the power supply to the CPU disconnect it as well.

Step 4 – You should have the power supply cables free and not plugged into any component. Make sure this is done so no cable from the power supply is hooked up to any component. If you need to make a diagram to know what goes where you can do that before you unhook them.

Step 5 – Now you can remove the power supply from the case. On the back of the case there are four screws that need to be removed. There should also be a plate with one screw attached to the inside of the case. Most computers have this and some don't. Just make sure they are all disconnected.

Step 6 – Now that the power supply is uninstalled from the case you can remove it and set it aside.

Step 7 – Take the new power supply and install it the same way the old one was. Screw all screws in and make sure the power supply is secure. It should fit flush to the case.

Step 8 – Connect all the connectors to the motherboard, drives, etc. The connectors only go in one way so you can't hurt it just make sure they are seated properly and all components that were connected before are connected now.

Step 9 – Before you replace the side panel lets give it the power test. Plug your computer in and power it up. If you did everything correctly it should come on. Make sure there is no smoke or burning components. Examine your computer while its running.

Step 10 – Now that you have done the power test and everything is normal you can replace the side panel and hook your computer up. You should be ready to go.

Congratulations you replaced your power supply.

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