Question about HP Media Center M370N (DM163A#ABA) PC Desktop

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Install power supply

Install power supply

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If your problem directly relates to the HP Media Center m370n desktop computer, I would like you to go here,

HP Support > HP Media Center m370n > Manuals,

Left-click on the file name - Part Replacement Instructions.

This is a PDF file. It may take up to 30 seconds before you see the first page come up, and additional time for the file to full download.

Opening the computer case is on Page 1. (Item 3)
Replacing the Power Supply is on Page 4.

For more clarity, on where the various power cables from the Power Supply connect to, I am going to list information.

I would also like to detail the procedure involved, and Anti-Static precautions.

Anti-Static precautions:

Your body carries Static electricity.
Static WILL fry out (Short Circuit), the hardware components inside a computer.

Power Supply, (Computer), unplugged from power, computer case open. (Work on a table)

TOUCH the metal frame of the open computer case to relieve your body of Static.
Should you have to leave, in the middle of working on your computer, upon your return be sure to Touch the metal frame again.

Power cable identification, and the various area/s each type of power cable plugs into:

A) You will see a power cable with many wires. For the Media Center a1540n, this is a 20-pin ATX main power cable, and it's respective connector.

This is an example,

This is where it plugs into on the motherboard,

On this page I would like to to scroll down to the motherboard photo, and the illustration underneath the photo.

Looking at the photo, you will see the ram memory slots. Two vertical Black long slots, and two vertical Blue long slots.

The 20-pin ATX main power cable, plugs into the White vertical connector that has 2 rows of 10 socket holes, (20 total), to the right of the ram memory slots.

On the illustration this connector is labeled ATX Power Connector.
(To the right of ram memory slot 4.
DDR DIMM4 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)

Looking at the Playtool link, the photo to the far left shows an example of the connector on the motherboard, without the 20-pin ATX main power cable plugged into it.

Note the protrusion, or 'bump' on the side of this connector.

Looking at the photos in the middle, and far right, you will note the connector for the 20-pin ATX main power cable, has a Lock on the side of it.

This plastic Lock is hinged in the middle. Works like a see-saw on a playground.
The top of the Lock is squeezed in, and this makes the bottom of the lock come away from the protrusion.
Then the 20-pin ATX power cable connector, can be gently wiggled side to side, and removed.

[ ALWAYS pull on the connector, and not on the wires for all power cables ]

B) On the motherboard illustration, below where it states Socket 478, is where the 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable plugs in.

On the motherboard it is a White square connector, that has 4 socket holes.

This is an example of a 4-pin ATX +12 Volt power cable, and it's respective connector. This power cable is power for the Processor, and Must be plugged in.

It also has a Lock.

[Not related to the Power Supply power cables, are two connectors on the motherboard I feel I should address.
The Chassis (Computer Case) Fan, and the Processor Fan.

On the motherboard illustration, the computer case fan connects to connector - CHA_Fan1.
The Processor fan connects to connector - CPU_Fan1 ]

C) The Harddrive, and Optical drives (CD/DVD drive/s) use a 4-pin Peripheral power cable,

Continued in a Comment.

Posted on Jun 19, 2010

  • joecoolvette
    joecoolvette Jun 19, 2010

    D) The Floppy Drive uses this power cable,

    Note the direction this power cable plugs into. Would also like to state to WATCH the pins on the Floppy Drive, that this power cable plugs into.
    They are Easily bent, and are VERY sharp!
    Watch your fingers.

    Would also like to state, that once you have replaced the Power Supply, and connected the various power cables, suggestion is to make sure the ram memory module/s are well seated.

    The ram memory module/s are usually bumped when installing a Power Supply, and should be taken out, and reinstalled.

    Even if they, or it, looks to be well seated in the ram memory slot, you can be assured they are seated by removing them, and reinstalling.

    The Media Center a1540n uses an ATX style of power supply, and has a maximum Wattage rating of 300 Watts.

    (Case size is approximately 6 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 3-1/2 inches tall)

    You Do Not have to have a 300 Watt power supply.
    The power supply Wattage can be greater, with no problems occurred.

    A computer only uses the power it needs, and No more.
    If your computer has a 10,000 Watt power supply, (exaggeration), and it only needs 100 Watts, it Only uses 100 watts.
    (Typically surfing the internet uses 100 watts.
    The same power used by a 100 Watt light bulb)

    One example of an ATX power supply, that has the correct amount of power cables, and the correct kind,


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Relative easy. Open up the case and be careful to see what wires are connect. Replace each one carefully. There is the big wire that containes a bundle. This goes to the motherboard. There is only one way to install it. There is a 4 prong molex wire that goes to the hard drive. There are extra wires just in case you need to add another hard drive for example. There shoudl be 4 screws holding the power supply in place. Remove them from the back of the PC

Posted on Jun 18, 2010


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Hi There

This guide was developed to instruct readers on the proper procedures for installing a power supply unit (PSU) into a desktop computer case. It includes step-by-step instructions with photographs for the physical installation of the PSU into a computer case.
IMPORTANT: Many name brand manufacturer PCs use specially designed power supplies that have been built specifically for their systems. As a result, it is generally not possible to buy a replacement power supply and install it into these systems. If your power supply is having problems, you will likely need to contact the manufacturer for repairs.
CAUTION: All power supplies contain various capacitors inside of them that retain power even after the power supply had all power turned off. Never open up or insert any metal objects into the vents of the power supply as you can risk electrical shock.
To start with installing a power supply, it is necessary to open up the case. The method for opening the case will vary depending upon its design. Most new cases use either a panel or door while older systems require the whole cover be removed. Be sure to remove any screws fastening the cover to the case and set them aside.
Align the new PSU into place in the case so that the 4 mounting holes align properly. Make sure that any air intake fan on the power supply that resides in the case is facing towards the center of the case and not towards the case cover.
Now comes one of the most difficult portions of the power supply installation. The power supply needs to be held in place while it is fastened to the case with screws. If the case has a shelf ledge that the power supply sits on, it will be easier to balance.
Make sure that the voltage switch on the back of the power supply is set to the proper voltage level for your country. North America and Japan use 110/115v, while Europe and many other countriesuse 220/230v. In most cases the switch will come preset to the voltage settings for your region.
If the computer already has the motherboard installed into it, the power leads from the power supply need to be plugged in. Most modern motherboard use the large ATX power connector that gets plugged into the socket on the motherboard. Some motherboards require an additional amount of power through a 4-pin ATX12V connector. Plug this in if required.
A number of items reside within a computer case that require power from the power supply. The most common device is the various hard drives and CD/DVD drives. Typically these use the 4-pin molex style connector. Locate the appropriate sized power leads and plug them into any devices that require power.
At this point all of the installation and wiring should be completed with the power supply. Replace the computer cover or panel to the case. Fasten the cover or panel with the screws that were previously removed to open the case.

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