Hi Tony,

The things to looks for in a power supply come in three general categories.

1.) Physical size and form factor. Sometimes, the large PC makers like 
Gateway and Dell don't use standard form factor supplies. This is more 
prevalent in their cheaper/smaller PC's. You would need to measure the 
size and space of the existing PS, the mounting hole layout, and 
openings for the fans and power cord. The new one needs to match this to 
work. Fortunately, if it uses a standard ATX form factor PS, then most 
aftermarket supplies that conform to the ATX form factor should fit.

2.) Electrical output. This is the total power output, and can be more 
involved than just the wattage rating. Usually, for typical desktops, 
the wattage rating is good enough, where you have to look deeper is in 
higher end multiple CPU servers that may have specific requirements for 
the amps that can be supplied on sertain voltage rails.

3.) Connector types and sizes. In addition to making sure that the 
supply has enough connectors, and of the right type for the disk drives 
and fans, you also need to be concerned about the connectors for the 
motherboard. There are several different standards now in use. The main 
board connector is the largest, and may be either 20pin or 24pin. Most 
power supplies come with a 24 pin with either an adapter or a way to 
"separate" the extra 4 pins for MB's that use 20pin. Most pentium (and 
better) MB's also have at least one separate connector, (which people 
invariably forget to hook up) a 4 pin "ATX" connector to supply extra 
12V for the onboard VRM. However, some high end systems may actually 
require a 6 pin connector and I have actually seen one system require 
two of them.
If your system has a high end graphics card, it may also require a 
separate power connector. If you have one, make sure the power supply 
has provisions for this as well.

Russ Poffenberger
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Tony wrote:
> I currently have the power supply that originally came in my Gateway computer, a NPS-160CB-1A, but I really don't know what power supply to get.  I was going to buy an EA500, but I was not sure if it was compatible.  The only listed replacement power supply is the ATX-300GU, but there were a few bad reviews.  Any help?
>   

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