This blog post is about how I replaced a faulty PSU in a HP dx2420 microtower computer.
Warning: I’m not stating what I did was safe or the right way to replace a PSU in a computer. That’s way this blog post is titled ‘How I’ and not ‘How To’. You’re responsible for your own actions or purchases! This blog post might be of interest to people, especially those with a dx2420.
The computer
The power supply unit I replaced was a LiteOn PS-5301-08HF 300W in a HP dx2420 computer that has a MS-7525 ver 1.0 motherboard.
I don’t think this is the PSU I originally used in the dx2420, so please presume the LiteOn model isn’t the original PSU for the computer.
The side of the LiteOn PS-5301-08HF PSU that I replaced.
The computer runs Linux and Windows 10 and recently I used the PC for playing low performance games. This HP dx2420 is also a backup PC for my main PC. It doesn’t require a lot of power, using a Q6600 CPU, has a few hard drives (one I placed in the case for convenient storage) and an old low performance graphics card.
I almost didn’t buy a new PSU and considered removing parts for other uses or placing into storage. What persuaded me in the end was the convenience of having it available for occasional ad-hoc use and if I need it for work.
It’s likely at some stage I will remove the PSU and use in another PC with a better motherboard.
The new PSU
I purchased the ‘700W Builder’ PSU. I don’t use the PSU daily and took that into consideration when purchasing. I don’t intend to fully utilise the wattage, but can imagine using a different graphics card with it in the future or even another motherboard.
Details on the side of the 700W Builder PSU
I’m not saying this is a good PSU and if I was going to use the PC daily and/or intensive, I would likely buy another. If I was going to use a PSU daily, I probably would’ve purchased a more expensive 500w PSU manufactured by somebody else.
How I replaced the faulty PSU
- The PC was turned off and I disconnected the computer from all cables.
- On its side, I placed the computer on a sturdy chair.
- I removed the side panel so I could gain access to the inside of the PC.
- I disconnected the power cables to the hard drives (I didn’t have a DVD drive connected).
- I then disconnected the PSU cables from the motherboard.
- I removed the four screws connecting the PSU to the case.
- I made sure the power cables were out of the way, pressed down on part of the case that holds the PSU in place and gently removed it.
- Then I placed the new PSU in the computer, screwed it in and attached cables.
- I used cable ties to help secure the cables into the positions I wanted.
- I then moved the PC from being on its side to standing up.
- I used cables ties to secure the cables and tidy it up a bit.
- Finally I was able to put back the side panel.
Conclusion
If I was a hard core gamer I wouldn’t be using a dx2420! This is an old PC that is hardly used. I probably could’ve purchased a second-hand PC for the price I paid for the PSU. However I don’t want to get rid of the old HP computer and I wanted a new PSU.
Fitting a new power supply unit isn’t a difficult task, but requires a bit of patience and not rushing the process. Whilst the unit isn’t too heavy, you could damage items if you were to drop it in a PC. So far I’ve only turned on the PC to make sure it works with the new power supply unit.