PSU

Coco15 · 20 Mar 2010

Last year I bought a case and 350w PSU bundle for $85.00 AU and in the last 2 months the power supply fan won't spin sometimes when you turn on the computer and other times it will and sometimes when using it in games it will start to smell bad. Is this my PSU on it's way out? or it just cheap and don't like the rest of the system. the case/PSU combo is only a year old so it shouldn't be out yet.

I also notice I have to press the start button twice every time to power on. See my specs for more.

Thanks in advanced.

JazzSus · 20 Mar 2010

I wouldn't take chance and replace PWS as soon as possible specialy if it smells. Might be worth to contact store/retailer in case you still covered under waranty? Also might help to open case and take vacum cleaner and undust inside case. Be careful dont break anything. In case you'll buy new.... Look for some good brand name and get something about 5-600W Hope this help

PsychoClown · 20 Mar 2010

yes it is going. just went through this with my roommate. 550 or above is what i suggest.

CarlTR6 · 20 Mar 2010

I echo these suggestions. I went through this about three months ago.

JamesR404 · 20 Mar 2010

I can only repeat the suggestions given. Don't take any chances with your PSU - a poor one will cause more harm than good.

Also vacuum clean it, perhaps an overdose of dust & cobwebs is preventing it from functioning properly. .. could be, although it's more likely it's defective, be sure to check the warranty.

Coco15 · 21 Mar 2010

Yes I have already got a vacuum cleaner through the whole computer and PSU I took it to work and used work's (I Work at a computer repair store) compressor to blow anything else out. still no good. I give computer good clean every 6 months. I got a touch and shone in the back of the PSU and both the capacitors are bulging. (Not Flat). I'am still using the computer all is good but PSU still smells and having problems. Can anyone recomend a PSU, I think I need to toss this one and get another.

Edit: I have continued to look for problems and found the 4 pin CPU connector brown and melted. I have stopped using this computer. For saftey reasons and to look after my hardware.

few minutes ago while using my other computer which is P II the bad one made a loud funny noise like metal falling onto metal. Is this somthing falling in my power supply because I haven't heard this noise (Ever). in my life of working on computers.

CarlTR6 · 22 Mar 2010

It sounds like it is time to ditch the PSU ASAP and also replace the motherboard. I would not turn that computer on again.

JamesR404 · 22 Mar 2010

"a loud funny noise like metal falling onto metal". Sounds like it has to be something mechanical, and therefore it may be a fan - ... or a component in your power supply simply melting and falling apart...

"4 pin CPU connector brown and melted". Omfg. Never seen it that bad, seems like there may have been a surge or consistent overheating. This may have damaged the motherboard as well.

It does sound terribly bad! After replacing your PSU you may want to consider using a surge protector, the root cause may also be an unstable power supply...

Coco15 · 22 Mar 2010

I already have been using a powerboard with in built surge protector. I bought it at the same time as the computer. See below

The motherboard is alright the 4 pin socket is perfect it's just the plug on the power supply thats all brown and melted. And the load noise was the CPU Heatsink and fan fell to the bottom of the case that I forgot to place back on properly after taking it to work and blowing it out.:) Can anyone reccomend a PSU.

I know of:
Antec
Coolermaster &
Corsair.

Are these good brands. are threre any others? Because I think I better toss this PSU and get another before any more problems.

smarteyeball · 23 Mar 2010

Corsair = yes
Antec = mostly yes
Coolermaster = Very much model dependent