Hello there, Last night my computer was running smoothly, when all of a sudden it started making an "unusual" humming noise. After examining the computer more carefully, the noise is definetly coming from my PSU but I can't tell if it's the PSU about to burn out or just the fan motor. The computer is 2 years old, and I usually leave it running all the time. The fan is still running; I almost immediately stopped using the computer so I don't know if there was any performance degredation. Does it matter? Should I just get a new PSU? I feel confident about installing a new power supply myself, however I want to be sure I don't "overlook" something and screw my comp up. Specs are: Dell Dimension 4500 P4 2.0Ghz 720 MB Radeon 9600 CD-ROM The current power supply for my comp per the Dell website says it's a 250W power supply; that seems like the bare minimum from what I've read. Any suggestions on what Wattage I should get (if I need one) and anything thing to "watch out for" when buying/installing a new power supply? Money isn't a big issue. Thank you very much

I would worry most about the size of the PSU... a standard ATX model might not fit in your Dell. If it does, I would purchase a nice reliable Antec True Power of 330W or more.

If your PS is really 250W, i think you should replace your power supply even if it is not going to die soon. (i noticed you got a radeon 9600 in there) i would suggest you to get at least 400W since the price is pretty close among 300, 350 and 400W. I found one at this link: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-154-013&depa=0 about your the noise, i think could be the fan. You may want to clean the dust in there. I would use a strong hair blower to blow out the dust in there. Remember to close you nose and eyes lol.

oh yeah..like tropic said..please check out the size. I assumed that you have a mid tower and average size powersupply.

Thank you for the advice. I put the Radeon 9600 in post-purchase and I didn't even think about the implications of not having a strong enough power supply. What are the ramifications of using a video card that is requiring more power than the power supply can give? I'm trying to learn as much as I can here. Thanks.

A blown power supply, which in turn can take out other things as well. My recommendfation, pull the video card out until you do get a bigger supply. BTW I would use Antec True power personally When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!

If its just a fan then replace the fan. Use a pencil to halt the blades to find out which fan is making the noise.