Do you feel your PC lagging behind when you’re running the latest games? Are the blue screens haunting your nightmares? We hate to say it, but your power supply could be the culprit. Guys, the PSU is easy to overlook, but remember, it’s responsible for powering up your rig in the first place.

Like changing the oil in a car, upgrading your PSU can extend the life of your build. This guide will cover selecting the ideal new supply for your setup’s needs and budget. We’ll walk through safely removing your old unit and installing the fresh upgrade, the whole nine. So grab your tools and strap in!

messy workspace image

Preparing Your Workspace

Removing The Old Power Supply

Now that you’ve prepped your workspace and gathered the proper tools, it’s time to get hands-on and remove the existing power supply to make way for the new upgrade.

There is a completely optional sixth step here. You can set aside the old supply in a small plastic box and deliver a heartfelt eulogywhile playing this song.Is it going to help in any way? Not at all. But then again, what’s life without a little whimsy?

Hand opening a pc case

Installing The New Power Supply

Alrighty, now that the old power supply is outta there, it’s time to pop this spiffy new upgrade in and get it hooked up. Lots of steps here, but we’ll go through it together:

And boom! Just like that, your desktop is officially rocking the upgraded power supply. Monitor those temperatures and airflow closely during initial power on to make sure it’s smooth sailing. Then sit back and enjoy all that newfound power! (We say this like you found the One ring, but really, it’s just a power supply).

Hand holding a power supply

Related:A Beginner’s Guide To Installing RAM For Your Gaming PC

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Power supply installations don’t always go flawlessly. If your newly upgraded desktop experiences problems turning on or function issues, try these troubleshooting tips:

Make sure to follow all these instructions to the T and installing your new supply should be a breeze. And with your corroded old unit replaced by a high efficiency PSU, you’re able to rest easy knowing your components are powered safely.