The only connection between the Motherboard and the PSU in my computer is a 20-hole plug, with one of the holes visibly "empty" if you know what I'm saying. The case fan then runs off the motherboard. Is this abnormal? I ask because I think my Pavilion (541c) might not be as proprietary as others.

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I personally have replaced a Pavilion PSU with a generic mirco ATX PSU. Here in Australia, HP want around AU$350 for a genuine HP replacement PSU, and understandably, everyday people refuse to pay such high prices (serves them right for buying an HP in the first place). For around AU$100 you can pick up a generic PSU that does the same job, if not better. I have heard of people transferring HP components into standard ATX cases, the only trouble they have is the rear plate, which in most cases can be removed anyway, doesn't look as good, but who shows of the back of their computer anyway.

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I've only had a couple of encounters with HPs (thanks god)...but as i said, I believe the PSUs are proprietary...it may look the same as a standard PSU & the plug may appear the same too, but the arrangement of wires at the plug are different. So where a standard PSU may have a ground wire, the HP unit may have a power wire. Obviously you don't want voltage going where there should be ground, or vice versa. So if you wanna use your HP mATX motherboard in standard ATX case, you'll still need to get an HP PSU...& I'm sure they're more expensive than a standard PSU. mATX just refers to the size of the board...they're smaller & only have a few expansion slots...usually an AGP, 2 PCI slots, a useless CNR slot, & some low grade onboard sound & video. If I was you, I'd use the HP machine for parts & build a "real" PC...you don't have to break the bank...you can build a damn fine machine using "yesterday's" technology. For instance, you can get a great KT133A mobo w/sound that uses PC133 RAM instead of DDR for under $40. Even better, how about an ECS K7S5A Pro that uses either PC133 or DDR RAM...swap your CPU & RAM & get a cheap videocard like a GF4 MX440 for about $40...so for under $100, you'd have a machine that'll blow away what you have now & still be upgradeable for a while... http://www.newegg.com http://www.compgeeks.com/

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I'm getting two conflicting messages here; some of you say I can use non-HP PSUs, and others claim I must use HP PSUs. I talked to the "Pro" at CompUSA, who said he's seen first-hand people putting Pavilions into big ATX cases, and using ATX power supplies (not even mATX (ie: SFX), much less proprietary HP) too! I'm beginning to think I'll take the risk and pop the computer in a brand-new atx case with a regular atx. This interests me: "Adaptors are available as the only difference is the "pin out" wiring." Jimi, can you tell me where I could find such adaptors (or what they'd be called)?

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Or you could all read the email the hit the HP web site type in the computer model and find in a matter of seconds that this model has a knowen problem and fix to the problem http://h20015.www2.hp.com/content/common/manuals/bph07383/bph07383.pdf so next time check the website first you will need adobe reader to view the pdf file hp need you to order a update fix on cd or kiss you computer good by cause it aint the power supply its a HP system designers problem oops HP screwed up Again.!!

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Idiot. That has nothing to do with my problem. I am completely updated. I searched the website plenty. Did you even read this thread?

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I could not find the one I was looking for but here- http://www.centrix-intl.com/list.asp?CategoryID=60 (scroll down to the Dell section)is what I was talking about. As for the Compaq I don't know. It has been suggested that some Power supply makers can modify them for just such a situation. You may want to contact a few. Jimi_l

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Rip OUT the motherboard. put a new one in. Buy a generic psu. Then upgrade to your hearts content, and screw HP, DELL, and every other one of those "prepackaged" computer builders. Perhaps that is why they scrape the minimum requirements ofr WATTAGE on their psu. So if you wish to upgrade cpu or graphics card, you need to pay them a kings ransom for a new psu!

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