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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Thursday, February 22, 2007
How to Install a Power Supply
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
How to make sure Your PC is ready for DST
Daylight Savings Time adjust 3 weeks earlier this year. Is your computer ready to go? This change will not only affect your computer but cell phone, PDA, TIVO, etc. Any electronic device that uses a clock.
For this article we will show you how to make sure your computer is ready for the up coming time change.
This won't be as drastic as Y2K was but if you use an appointment calendar on your computer you could be an hour off come this March. Its important if you rely on your computers clock to make sure your ready.
Depending on your operating system there are steps to take to update your computer. Microsoft has set up a support page for this.
First, Click on your clock on your task bar. Click on the tab time zone. Then check the box which says automatically adjust clock for daylight savings time changes.
If you have Windows Vista and you are using Office 2007 there is a patch to update Microsoft Outlook. This will fix Outlook and than everything should be okay for you.
If you are using Windows XP service pack 2 go to windows update and make sure you turn on automatic updates. While you are there get all the updates. You will need to install the DST update.
If you are using Windows XP service pack 1 you will need to update to service pack 2 and install the DST update. Also get all the updates and make sure you have automatic updates turned on.
If you are using Windows 95/98/Millennium you will need to update your clock manually. Also, make sure you have the box checked automatically adjust clock for daylight savings changes.
If you are using Windows outlook 2000, 2002, or 2003 there is also a patch called time zone data update tool for Microsoft Outlook.
If you do not update your computer than it will not adjust for daylight savings time. You will be 3 weeks late in the spring and 1 week early in the fall. If your computer is used for business you will have to manually make adjustments for your time and schedule. This would be a hassle when a simple patch or fix would solve the problem. Keep in mind that any programs that use time based calendars will also be off. Your banking and financial programs would fall into this category. Your emails would be off time wise too.
So, why not take the time now and make sure you are ready for the DST change this spring.
