I've just been looking at a friends computer, which is a shop-bought Acer Aspire T130 (Mini tower)

(Details off front)
AMD 64-bit 3200+
512mb DDR
200GB IDE HDD
Geforce FX5500 128mb
DVD-ROM
DVD/RW
3.5" Floppy
Multi card reader.

Basically, it appears that it's locking up after every few minutes. The CPU fan is running well and the heatsink still looks shiny and dust free, so i'm sure it's not overheating.

However, the Power supply is an:
FSP Group inc. FSP200-60ATV(PF)
Which from the data on the side says it's a 200W PSU with 10.0A on the +12v Rail??

I know that's not right even for an AthlonXP, let alone a 64-bit?!? Is there something Acer knows, that I don't??

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
XP Pro + SP2

I'd say it was the PSU.
How can they even think of using that let alone actually using it?
It is way underpowered.

If it is still under warranty I'd try to get them to upgrade the PSU,doubtfull they would but you never know?

Tt Lanfire
MSI K8N Diamond
AMD64 3000+
1gb pc3200
OCZ Powerstream 520w
6600GT
WDCaviar 160gb sata
WDCaviar 160gb sata

;~}

Yeah he's right. Definately underpowered.

I think the warranty is now void since I broke the "Warranty Void if Broken" sticker on the back!?!? Whoops!

But then again, i'd never have known the problem otherwise. I think it's probably worth just spending some money on a decent PSU instead.

I just added up the prices of the components of his machine online and his £1500 computer comes to £500 in parts value?

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
XP Pro + SP2

And that surprised you? ;-)

"It's like Gomer Pyle in Bangkok!"

"I just added up the prices of the components of his machine online and his £1500 computer comes to £500 in parts value?"

How many times have people in these forums advised against buying OEM systems? Now you know why 1st hand! LOL!

And yes, you voided the warranty by breaking the seal...I don't know if there's anything you can do about it now. It sure wouldn't hurt to give Acer tech support a call. I suppose you could upgrade the PSU yourself, but 1st you'd have to be sure Acer doesn't use proprietary units.

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8.5 x 200MHz
768MB PC3200
Asus A9550 128MB/128-bit
Gamer Edition
WinME/WinXP Pro

I know, I offered to build him one but he just went out and bought one from an Electrical store chain (Curry's UK) instead. The system is now 9 months old and it had a years warranty, so it's only lost 3 months worth.

I wouldn't advise anyone to buy an OEM system to begin with, but especially not now.

The PSU is ATX, i've tried my Enermax 485W in it and it's stable as a rock now.

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
Enermax Noisetaker 485W

Isn't it amazing how screwed a system can be because of a crap PSU?

"President Bush is doing everything he can to lower gas prices, including...making the oil companies so rich that maybe they'll get sick of money."

Definitely, I've just bought a PSU for a system I was building for my sister for basic office work and web surfing based on an old AMD Duron 800 and Geforce2 MX200 32mb I had sitting around in a box. The PSU I bought from www.ebuyer.com (UK site) was of a higher quality than the one in the Acer and was the cheapest one I could find. It cost a measly £6, which is basically pocket change. I can't begin to imagine how much Acer paid for the one in that machine, especially since they probably get bulk discount too!

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
Enermax Noisetaker 485W

You took a chance by installing a standard ATX PSU. I think HP/Compaq uses proprietary units on many of their systems...the plug is exactly the same as a standard ATX, but the wires are configured differently. Plug an ATX PSU into one of these boards & you'll blow the board, the PSU, or both...maybe even some other components

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8.5 x 200MHz
768MB PC3200
Asus A9550 128MB/128-bit
Gamer Edition
WinME/WinXP Pro

Not really taking a chance. I did my Homework on the current PSU and found that the Fortron Unit is in fact a regular ATX PSU, which can be purchased aftermarket for any ATX based system. From this basis, it was safe to assume that my Enermax would work effectively, therefore so would any other ATX PSU.

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
Enermax Noisetaker 485W

From the code on it, the motherboard is also a commonly available SIS based Socket 754.

AMD AthlonXP 2200+
Abit NF7-S v2.0
Geforce4 Ti4200 128mb
1GB Crucial PC2700
80GB & 120GB SATA HDD's
SB Audigy2 ZS
Enermax Noisetaker 485W

Glad to see you did your homework & didn't just leave it to chance ;)

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @ 8.5 x 200MHz
768MB PC3200
Asus A9550 128MB/128-bit
Gamer Edition
WinME/WinXP Pro