How to Upgrade a 450 Watt Computer Power Supply

While a 450 watt power supply used to be substantial, today it is hardly enough to run even a single modern video card. Upgrading the old 450 watt power supply in your system will help you to resolve random crashes, blue screens, and other system anomalies that come from having an insufficient power supply running to your computer's components. While a lengthy procedure, this is not overly difficult, even for a computer novice.

Things You'll Need

• New power supply
• Phillips screwdriver
• Motherboard operating manual

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall.

2. Remove the two screws located on the right-rear of the case and slide off the right-hand panel.

3. Unscrew the power supply from the case by removing the three or four screws holding it into position.

4. Unplug the connectors running from the power supply to the motherboard, video card, hard drive, optical drive, and system fans.

5. Place the new power supply in the same position occupied by the old and screw it into place.

6. Reconnect the power cables to your hardware. Consult your motherboard manual if you have difficulty remembering where any particular cable went.

References

• PC Mech: Build your own PC