Aspire AT3-605-UR21 video card and power supply

I bought the same unit at Fry's last week and have exactly the same problem.  I bought a video card that was on sale (ASUS GT640) and then discovered the power supply is only 300 watts.  My plan is to try to return the computer to Fry's this week, but I think they will try to charge over $100 restocking fee.  No where could I find out on any of the places this computer is advertised that it only had a 300 watt power supply -- the video card I bought with the computer requires 75 watts -- ther is no way that it would work with this small of power supply.  Fry's is advrtising a 700 watt power supply for $44 (after $20 rebate) and I was going to ask the service department there whether they thought that would fit and work in the Acer as a last resort, but I hate to have to spend more money.  In my opinion, this unit should never be sold with a small power supply -- I want to have at least a 2 monitor setup and don't think I could even do that with the graphics on board.  If i return the unit, I may buy a Dell unit that is advertised at Costco -- better specs (including dedicated video) and larger power supply -- only about $50 more than the Acer unit. Good luck with a solution. 

Thanks for letting us know Fry's has one compatible one to install.  I could understand why Acer support won't give out that information. A kid not long ago was killed by attempting to change the power supply. 

I just got this computer and am aware the power supply is little not up to what we expect.  But looking at the configuraion of this I7 machine, I am very happy with it and am very willing to pay technianl to install a new PSU professionally.  Just be very very careful if you decide to upgrade one yourself.  Even with an unplugged unit, the residual charge may still be lethal if they are not probably discharged. 

Hello,

I am currently thinking about purchasing this machine that is on sale here, i have already thought about upgrading the graphics card to a GTX 770 and when i asked about the watts on the power supply the store was unwilling to let me know. Would it be possible that the same system here would only come with a 300-400watt power supply? If so i am looking at a 1000watt powersupply to swap over and am just wondering if this combination will work out in the long run.

thanks

Any news on the PSU ugrade from Frank? I have the same model and am experiencing the same issue. I'd love to upgrade mine, or at least have this model get sufficient power in the first place. This model should never have been shipped with such a low end power supply. I believe pcpartpicker recommended at least a 350w PSU for the components in this model. The mere fact that this model is considered a gaming computer is beyond me (If only I knew as much about PC's when I bought this last year as I do now, I would have built my own or gone a different prebuilt route, yes I'm crying over spilt milk because I'm under warranty and this should be corrected with everyone) I'd love to put a new GPU in, can I? NO. That would require a new PSU, can I put a new PSU in? NO. As stated above, nowhere in any description has Acer stated that upgrading is not possible nor unsupported.

Three months after I purchased the AG3-605-UR24 model, the packed 2TB Seagate HDD started ticking randomly (sometimes violently freezing my computer momentarily, other times slow but for longer periods, still a problem as well) Insufficient Power anyone? Hmm... I spoke to customer service to get it replaced (still under warranty) only to find out the whole PC must be shipped AT MY EXPENSE, we're talking almost $100 to ship or I could take the hard drive out and ship it seperate, still at my expense (cheaper) but will get a HDD back completely formatted with no O/S installed which I would then have to re-purchase myself. Ok enough venting about Acer, figured I could do it here, sorry if I can't. I would like to know if anyone has figured out any work around for this and if bslepko has any recommendations for contacting which execs. It just really hurts my brain thinking I spent over $800 on something that can't be upgraded given the territory (PC gaming *cough*) or that needs upgrading right out of the box to begin with. Maybe an Acer rep could stop by and answer our questions, help us out a little... You know, we, the paying customers...err..maybe not by the looks of it. Wishful thinking I guess. BBB anyone?

Hi Brian, 

Can you give us a bit more details on how to get the upgrade PSU? Email or 800 numbers? Or if acer can provide us the directions to get the PSU replaced. That would be great. I wouldn't mind even buying this part if I know the part number for $40 or so. I bought the desktop and a new graphics card last year and haven't been ablet to put them together. 

Thanks,

Li

Thanks Brian. 

I contacted Frank and he passed me to Premier support. They have a new SOP for this now. Premier supported emailed me the part number and the phone number to order. The part number is below. Long story short, I had to call another nubmber after the first number turn me down because they cannot sell me accessories if my system is still under warranty. Second, they can only sell me accessories for the system that it came with. Make sure you have your SN before you call. They will need that to open a new account for you. 

Phone: [edited for privacy]

Part Number: DC.50018.001

                    PSU FSP FSP500-50AAGA,(A01001) 500W ACTIVE PFC 100-127V/220-240V, SINGLE-RAIL DESIGN

Price: $64.35 + $10 for shipping + tax

It's pretty pricey after shipping and tax. I should get the part early next week. 

make sure you disable Windows 8 secure boot or the card will not work. 

I'm hoping this thread is the answer i've been looking for. I recently purchased an ATC-605-UR13, only to find out about the power supply after the fact. I'm almost certain my model comes with the same 300w power supply as the other models described in this thread. Any information on how to get my hands on the 500w power supply would be appreciated. I've searched for the model number FSP500-50AAGA only to come up with some sites I'd rather not buy from. Thanks!

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I am wondering how you deal with the old PSU. My AT3 doesn't start at all. Worst thing is this is a refurbished desktop I bought from eBay.

I am thinking about replacing a PSU. Currently the only replacement option is that fsp500 which is $90. I just think it's too much for me since my intension is not upgrading the graphics. Thanks!

Zeran

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