Some time back, maybe 18 mos or so, I had a problem with my Windows Explorer
displaying folders in any kind of a timely fashion. The pages got to about
10 seconds or so to just see the folders, not pictures or graphic intense
images. I posted here for help and someone said he suspected the power
supply.

Shortly afterwards, the computer "healed itself" and began to work at
acceptable speeds, but I had in the back of my mind the idea that I should
get a new PS.

PC Power & Cooling had a PS for my Dell, the Silencer 360. I approached
this job with trepidation. It looked easy, but I have tried some home
plumbing projects that looked easy and took 12 hours and 3 trips to the
hardware store. So I did not trust how easy it looked.

But I must say, it really was easy. The PS was held in place with only 2
screws, there were 4 hard drive cables, one 3.5" drive cable, and two cables
that plugged into the motherboard. Unplug them, remove the 2 screws and
slide the new unit in and screw it down. Plug the other cables into the
drives/mobo and you are done. It was actually as easy as it looked.

My Windows Explorer actually is working much faster and I am much more
confident in this PS than in the 6 1/2 year old unit that it replaced.

I also took time to put an Antec Cyclone fan into the only free expansion
slot that I had left. I am having a custom set of bookshelves/computer desk
built and the computer is going inside. There will be a speaker screen door
at the front for ventillation, but I wanted some extra assurance.

However, the unit was so loud that it lasted maybe 45 minutes before I could
not take it anymore. I uplugged the drive. I replaced the main fan several
weeks ago and the new PS has its own fan - none of the air from either is
even warm. So when my cabinet is completed (hopefully this weekend), I will
check if it gets warm with the computer inside its own little cubbyhole
(note: a ventillated cubbyhole). If I have to plug the thing back in, I
will do so. If the computer is still cool enough, I will give my ears a
break (I use the term "ears" loosely as I am deaf in my right ear!).