[wreekhavoc]

Hello, I'm running an HP m1270n model, Windows XP (service pack 3) computer, Pentium 4 processor with an L7VMM2 Motherboard. I've just replaced my power supply for the 3rd time and I've been replacing it with the same model. ATX 20/24 Serial ATA. AC Input: 100-120Vac 10A, Frequency 50/60Hz. DC output: Total Power=330W, Max Output=480W. I was wondering if I could use more power without burning the motherboard or any other part of the system out. I was told I coud run up to a 500W power supply. If so, what should I look for, 500W for the Total Power or 500W for the Maximum Output? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by wreekhavoc, 03 June 2013 - 06:32 PM.

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Gday wreekhavoc.
The system only draws the amount of power that it requires, so OK to install a 650W in a system that uses 450W.
Problems occur when a lower wattage or poor quality unit is used as often happens with mass produced PCs like Dell/HP, especially when an upgrade is done like adding a more powerful video card. The watts required may not increase much, but the AMPS needed may exceed the PSU output causing instability, BSOD, crashes or failure to boot.


Have you changed or added any parts? if so, please give the brand and model of each and we can then recommend a PSU.

[iammykyl]

Gday wreekhavoc.
The system only draws the amount of power that it requires, so OK to install a 650W in a system that uses 450W.
Problems occur when a lower wattage or poor quality unit is used as often happens with mass produced PCs like Dell/HP, especially when an upgrade is done like adding a more powerful video card. The watts required may not increase much, but the AMPS needed may exceed the PSU output causing instability, BSOD, crashes or failure to boot.


Have you changed or added any parts? if so, please give the brand and model of each and we can then recommend a PSU.

[wreekhavoc]

Thanks for quick response, iammykyl.
No, I haven't added any parts or anything like that. I am however running an old version of Cubase for music production, photoshop elements 4 with numerous plugins, two different brands of video/dvd editing programs. I'm also thinking about adding more memory. The system has Two dual inline 184-pin 2.5V DIMM sockets. Each slot supports up to 1GB memory of 200/266 MHz Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR SDRAM.

I see two memory modules at 512MB each. The owners manual says the sockets can support up to 1GB each, however, there are two 512MB modules in there totaling 1GB. Can I upgrade with two 1GB modules or just two more 512MB modules? Can I switch out the two 512MB modules without losing any information?

I did a system scan and these are the results:
Memory Type: DDR PC3200, DDR (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Currently Installed Memory: 1GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2

Edited by wreekhavoc, 03 June 2013 - 08:29 PM.

[iammykyl]

Gday.
For the HP model you gave, this is the support page, > http://h10025.www1.h...e=c00280666#N86
This is the Product page, > http://h10025.www1.h...=&swlinkmsg=100
It does not have the MB you listed, not important until you come to upgrade RAM.
Please check the model of the MB you gave, as it comes as L7VMM2 (V2.0)Socket 462 for AMD K7 processor
> http://www.ecs.com.t...nuID=50&LanID=0


Is this you PSU? > http://www.ebay.com/...W-/150334177692
If yes, Consider this one, caution, Dimensions are compatible, but check out the switch placement, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817151094

RAM. I would buy 4GB of new as adding to existing, even though the same specs, can cause problems as they may not be identical in every respect.
Use the Crucial RAM Tool, > http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

Please let us know the result.

[wreekhavoc]

Hello,
I've done more digging. Now I see the Motherboard that I have is not an L7VMM2, it's a PTGD1-LA. My system is HP Media Center m1270n (PP132AA#ABA). I had already found those links from the HP support site. I have a 530J Intel Pentium 4 processor with hyper-threading technology,1.0 GB PC3200 DDR SDRAM and 250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive. I did the crucial.com system scan as well and came up with these results:
Memory Type: DDR PC3200, DDR (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Currently Installed Memory: 1GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2

The HP site results are as follows:
Memory Installed 1 GB (2 x 512)
Maximum allowed 4.0 GB* (4 X 1 GB) requires the replacement of the installed 512 MB DIMMs

*Actual available memory may be less
Speed supported PC3200 MB/sec
Type 184 pin, DDR SDRAM
DIMM slots Four
Open DIMM slots Two.


Now, I know I'm running 32bit Windows XP, so I'll only be able to use up to 3.5GB of memory but my question now is. If I switch out the two 512MB of my current memory with the 4GB upgrade, will I lose any information or files from my computer system?

[phillpower2]

Hello wreekhavoc

As iammykyl is offline at present I will answer your question for you.

You will not lose any data whatsoever by upgrading your Ram, your data is stored on the HDD (hard drive).

Crucial guide to upgrading desktop memory modules http://www.crucial.c...stall/dimm.aspx

Hope this helps and any questions let us know and I will be happy to help until iammykyl returns.

[wreekhavoc]

Thanks phillpower2.
I've priced the memory modules at Crucial http://www.crucial.c...D5E2097A5CA7304 but I also see the same types here at Amazon http://www.amazon.co...0 memory module . Obviously the ones at crucial are a little more than my budget will allow at this time, would it be OK to get the less expensive one's?

[phillpower2]

You are welcome wreekhavoc

As long as the specifications are exactly the same as what is suggested by the Crucial scan you can purchase the Ram from wherever you see fit, amazon is a reputable merchant but worth checking to see if they can save you some cash is 4allmemory @ http://www.4allmemory.com/

[iammykyl]

Thanks Phillpower2 for the help and your suggestions.

Gday wreekhavoc.
Always a shock to find out how expensive the old RAM is compared to DDR3.
What were your findings/thoughts with regards the PSU?

[wreekhavoc]

I'm looking at the Crucial site results and theirs is DDR PC3200 • CL=3 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR400 • 2.6V • 128Meg x 64 and the one at Amazon has
1GB DDR-400 PC3200 Non-ECC Unbuffered 184 Pin 2.5V CL=3 Memory 64X8. Is there a difference with the 128Meg x 64 and the 64 x 8?

Edited by wreekhavoc, 04 June 2013 - 04:17 PM.

[wreekhavoc]

Hello iammykyl,
Thanks to you and phillpower2, I've been able to narrow things down to upgrading my memory (which I should've done a long time ago) and understanding the power supply wattage issue. I did look at the SeaSonic S12II 520 Bronze 520W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply. I don't know what kind of issue I would have with the fan being on top instead of the back. My CPU tower only has an opening in the back. Seeing that I only paid around $17.00 for the Logisys 480W 20+4Pin, it is kind of pricey for my budget now. I need to do more research on the pin connectors also. My system is old and I need to just get a new one but if I can upgrade what I have with out too many changes that'll be fine with me. I did, however, come to one conclusion. If and when I get a new computer (PC or laptop) I will upgrade the memory, etc. right then instead of waiting to upgrade later. Thanks again for your time and patience.

[iammykyl]

Did you try the site Phillpower2 gave you? > 4allmemory @ http://www.4allmemory.com/

Is there a difference with the 128Meg x 64 and the 64 x 8?

Yes, 1GB module: total Module layout is 128Mx64
The Amazon is Low density - each Chip is 64Mx8
The Crucial is High density - each Chip is 64Mx16
Source, > http://www.ebay.com/...03795572/g.html

I don't know what kind of issue I would have with the fan being on top instead of the back. My CPU tower only has an opening in the back.

When you look at a PSU, the big fan on the flat side is the intake, the smaller fan on the back, next to the switch, is the exhaust fan. You can mount the PSU with the intake facing up, or down depending on the case.
> http://www.tomshardw...ink,3053-4.html

Seeing that I only paid around $17.00 for the Logisys 480W 20+4Pin, it is kind of pricey for my budget now. I need to do more research on the pin connectors also. My system is old and I need to just get a new one

I do urge you not to buy another low quality PSU, your whole system depends on it, aa cheapo will not last and could ea sally damage other parts. a decent one can be reused when you build a new system. The Seasonic is a bit dearer it being modular cabling, happen Phillpower2 can make a recommendation?

[phillpower2]

You are most welcome iammykyl

wreekhavoc, I can only echo the sound advice offered by iammykyl and when I finish work in a couple of hours I will indeed check out PSU options for you.

[wreekhavoc]

I will upgrade PSU. I've checked the links and can get an idea of which one to get. Oh, by the way, the memory sticks have arrived. I now have the two 1GB DDR PC3200 • CL=3 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR400 • 2.6V • 128Meg x 64 to upgrade my memory for the m1270n. I guess my question now is, can I leave the two current 512MB (1GB) in and add the two new ones or do I just take the old ones out and put the new ones in? If I leave the old 512's in, that would increase the memory to 3GB.

Edited by wreekhavoc, 09 June 2013 - 04:16 PM.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for the update.

Please let us know which PSU you are considering.

You can only install identical sticks of the same size in pairs, so you will need to remove the existing RAM and replace with the new,
see Duel Channel (1), install to slots #1 and #3.