Solved My pc is still freezing
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You have a PSU that was released way back in 2006 and what you describe happening is typical behaviour of a weak and failing PSU.
Replace the PSU before you replace anything else, depending on what your future plans are a Gold efficiency rated PSU would normally be advised but being that most of the hardware is old you may not wish to spend too much so if the case a 500W Bronze efficiency rated PSU from either EVGA or Seasonic will do, Corsair do not recommend that their Bronze efficiency rated PSUs be used with anything more than basic desktops so don`t go down that route.
I have never put a psu in a computer but I would love to learn to do it.
Do I need to get a specific psu to fit in it?
Will the psu then be compatible if I upgrade the CPU and motherboard at a later stage?
I think I am mostly concerned about connecting all the wires back up correctly to where they are meant to go.
Do I need to get a specific psu to fit in it?
Will the psu then be compatible if I upgrade the CPU and motherboard at a later stage?
I think I am mostly concerned about connecting all the wires back up correctly to where they are meant to go.
what you have, and the PSU you are after, is called an ATX power supply.
they are all the same, standardised dimension to fit in your case.
it will have a 24pin power cable that connects to your motherboard and has been standard for more than a decade, so unless your future motherboard changes how it gets power, the new PSU will do you for many years.
all those cables can be daunting, but take pictures of the current setup to aid you.
you simply take one cable at a time, the good news is, they are designed to only connect one way into the appropriate socket. as long as you don't use heavy force, it is impossible to get it wrong.
the biggest task will be cable management - getting all the cables to snake around the insides to make it look tidy and not block airflow too much. some cable ties may help with this.
there is a new standard trying to get traction right now, the new 12VO (volt only) ATX models. it has a 10pin motherboard power connector rather than the current 24pin.
current PSU's have 3.3, 5 and 12 volt rails.
ATX12VO, as name suggests, only has 12v, since few components in a PC these days use the older 3 and 5v rails off the PSU. so they are trying to reduce the size of the mobo power connector (for some reason).
however SATA devices still use 5v, so they have the power connectors for these appear on the mobo rather than needing a cable back to the PSU.
but with all PC standards of the past, it takes a generational shift before they even start appearing, let only being dominant.
ATX12VO standard was released in 2019.
good article here; https://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/power_supply/atx12vo_tested_-_the_future_of_power_supplies/1
they are all the same, standardised dimension to fit in your case.
it will have a 24pin power cable that connects to your motherboard and has been standard for more than a decade, so unless your future motherboard changes how it gets power, the new PSU will do you for many years.
all those cables can be daunting, but take pictures of the current setup to aid you.
you simply take one cable at a time, the good news is, they are designed to only connect one way into the appropriate socket. as long as you don't use heavy force, it is impossible to get it wrong.
the biggest task will be cable management - getting all the cables to snake around the insides to make it look tidy and not block airflow too much. some cable ties may help with this.
there is a new standard trying to get traction right now, the new 12VO (volt only) ATX models. it has a 10pin motherboard power connector rather than the current 24pin.
current PSU's have 3.3, 5 and 12 volt rails.
ATX12VO, as name suggests, only has 12v, since few components in a PC these days use the older 3 and 5v rails off the PSU. so they are trying to reduce the size of the mobo power connector (for some reason).
however SATA devices still use 5v, so they have the power connectors for these appear on the mobo rather than needing a cable back to the PSU.
but with all PC standards of the past, it takes a generational shift before they even start appearing, let only being dominant.
ATX12VO standard was released in 2019.
good article here; https://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/power_supply/atx12vo_tested_-_the_future_of_power_supplies/1
Now my second hard drive is sometimes not appearing in my computer. Would that confirm there is a problem with the PSU?
can't 100% say either way.
unlikely but hey, computers!
it's one of those you won;t know until you replace it, and even if it doesn't help, the PSU is a great starting point to build from.
unlikely but hey, computers!
it's one of those you won;t know until you replace it, and even if it doesn't help, the PSU is a great starting point to build from.
As per my reply #22;
A PSU is like a human heart but instead of blood it pumps voltage, even if you were not having issues you would be wise to replace such an old PSU rather than waiting for it to go bang and you then needing a whole new PC.
So I need a new psu. I want to eventually upgrade my CPU and motherboard and my pc will be used for gaming. Can someone direct me to a good psu please?
anything with a 10 year warranty indicates the company is prepared to put their money where their name is.
EVGA, Corsair, SeaSonic to name a few.
depending on your future needs, aim at something at least 750watts.
and at least 80+ Gold.
EVGA, Corsair, SeaSonic to name a few.
depending on your future needs, aim at something at least 750watts.
and at least 80+ Gold.
Corsair RM Series RM750 — 750 Watt 80 PLUS Gold Fully Modular ATX PSU 2021
The above for future proofing or the below for the present parts but comes with the risk that it could be too weak should you ever want to upgrade the present GPU, non modular and only has a five year warranty.
EVGA 600 GD 600W 80+ Gold Non-Modular Power Supply
Before purchasing a new PSU it is advisable that you measure the dimensions of the present PSU and ensure that the new PSU has the correct power connections for the MB, HDDs, optical drives, FDDs or add on cards such as a video card if one is fitted.
The above for future proofing or the below for the present parts but comes with the risk that it could be too weak should you ever want to upgrade the present GPU, non modular and only has a five year warranty.
EVGA 600 GD 600W 80+ Gold Non-Modular Power Supply
Before purchasing a new PSU it is advisable that you measure the dimensions of the present PSU and ensure that the new PSU has the correct power connections for the MB, HDDs, optical drives, FDDs or add on cards such as a video card if one is fitted.
I thought someone mentioned not to use a corsair psu for gaming, if that is the case, what about the first one you mentioned?
Nowhere will you find that having been advised by anyone here 
The below was post some nine days ago which may explain any confusion;
The below was post some nine days ago which may explain any confusion;
Oh, I see the difference, that was using a bronze rated psu but you recommended a gold rated psu
Correct and the longer the warranty period the better, seven year minimum but ten or more better.
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