That PSU's main connection is 20+4pin. That will fit a 20-pin mobo without an adapter.

jed-at-war

So I just let the +4 sit there? Thanks man. I think I'll be fine...Just wanted to make sure, can never be too careful!

That power supply should be more than adequate in powering your system. ATX is older than BTX but it is still the mainstream standard (i.e. BTX didn't catch on). That Thermaltake that you ordered probably has a 24-pin main power plug and there is a chance that your motherboard has a 20-pin. Not a big deal, just pick up an adaptor and you're set. I've never heard of a manufacturer actually changing the pin layout or connectors here so you should be in the clear there. Another area you might have a problem is whether or not you'll be able to mount it in your Gateway case. I'm not sure about Gateway, but I know Dell has proprietary (used only by them) cases, motherboardsand power supplies and won't take an off-the-shelf unit without some handywork.

IF that happens to you, don't panic. Come on here and post again and I'm sure you will find the help you need to get everything up and working the way you want it to.

boominslpr

Thanks man, much appreciation! As far as the Dell cases vs. Gateway cases, I beleive Gateway allows aftermarket parts in there system (they even have a 'how-to' FAQ on replacing a PSU with a new one). My only issue would be the size. This thing is damn big! Hopefully it fits. As for the pins, yes it has a 20+4 main connector, I just wasn't sure whether or not my motherboard had an older style or not. I guess only time will tell. If I DO need an adapter, could I pick one up at say office depot, what does it look like, and how much will it set me back if I do? If it's a 20 pin connector can I not use the main connector without the 4 pin (sorry if that doesn't even make sense lol).

So let's assume this is a right fit. I have to install it pysically, then I need to connect the 20+4 main to the motherboard, the 4 pin to the CPU,a 5 pin SATApin to the HD, and the 6 pin PCI-Express to the Vid Card? Does the Vid Card have two slots for halving the voltage on each ramp? Thanks again.

BTW: The only reason I am upgrading my PSU, is because I bought an 8600GTS and 2GB more RAM, so it was needed. Those are easily installed so no worries there.

I just bought a new PSU;

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052

and I couldn't find for the life of me which type of motherboard I have. I just want to make sure I can use the PSU, if anyone can help that would be awsome. At first I thought ATX was the older, or rare kind, but now I don't know, I'm reading to much into this lol.

If it helps, here are my specs;

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/1009400/1009400sp2.shtml

I have an Intel Pentium D 915 (chipset 945G). The PSU, on the box, says Intel Pentium 4 and Intel Prescott. Now I found this page, which looks like it says my CPU is ATX form, but I don't know if the motherboard and CPU will be the same;

http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/asmo-na/eng/215842.htm

I just want to make sure before I get into this. Also, if anyone has a really good guide for dumba**es on how to install it, that would be awsome lol.. Thanks again.

[QUOTE="theragu40"][QUOTE="MrPower1"]This is a good computer http://www.alienware.com/alx_pages/main_alx.aspx .cole7948

This post is ironic...

I didn't get any answers I didn't already know, with the exception of the RAM working with the other RAM and mentioning the pysical dimensions to check out. so I will go ahead and order the parts and hope they fit. But thanks for some of the answers.

Hello,

I wrote this same thread on the PC forum, but that's dead, this one's alive, and I want to make these purchases tonight if I can get my questions answered. I currently own a gateway and want to upgrade it slightly, just to get some more 'oomph' out of it. I have been doing some extensive research on the latest video cards and benchmarks the past few days, and it seems the best card for under 200 is the 8600gts (EVGA). I won't bore you all with my rambling, so I will get right to the questions. Firstly, here are the links to my PC specs and the parts I want to add, respectively;

My CURRENT PC specs; http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/R/1009400/1009400sp2.shtml

GPU; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130086

RAM; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145527

PSU; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052

Also, a link to an excellent article I found regarding the 8600GT vs GTS, including detailed benchmark graphs;

http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/426/

OK, so now you know my PC specs and what I want to add, so I have a few questions to ask;

1. I am pretty sure, but I just want to triple check (and get a pros opinion) that the GPU, RAM, and PSU will all fit and be compatible with my computer.

2. If I add 2x1GB of RAM, will the current 2x512MB of RAM currently installed work with it, or will I have to remove it?

3. How hard are PSU's to install. I am buying a new one because my current is 300W, and I just want to make sure everything is safe.

4. Do you feel these are good parts, brands, etc? I don't need a high end gaming rig, because I really only use the PC to surf the web, check email, watch TV, and OCCASIONALLY play a game or two. Right now I'm really interested in running Hellgate:London with decent fps and high settings with those added parts. I should be good for that right?

I really think that's it, so basically just gimme your input, lemme know if 100% for sure these 3 parts will fit and be compatible, and if they are good performance (unless you STRONGLY feel I should get another vid card in the same price range, I really find this to have the best performance on every article I read). Also, I only want an 8 series as I want DX10 capability, and don't want to spend the extra 300 for an 8800 so don't mention that lol.

*I would like to make the purchase in the next hour or two, so any immediate help would be awsome. Thanks gamespotters!

Yeah all those parts should fit in your PC but then again they might not because your case may be to small for the powersupply. Just make sure you check the dimensions for everything :D.Ichalabon

That answered my first question, but what about my other 3? :)

Those parts should be fine...just make sure they will physically fit in your machine. Sometimes with prebuilt computers that can be an issue.theragu40

Ah,thanks man. I know the vid card fits in PCIx16 slot, so that's fine, and the specs claim there are 2 extra DIMM slots, so the only real worry I have is the PSU, though I'm really not THAT concerned as it's the least of my worries (as far as the parts are concerned). ;)

I've just never worked with a PSU before, and I am reading about all the cables and Pins, and ports and what have you, so I want someone to come and tell me it's compatible before I dish the dough. :)