Solved strange noise and burning smell from PSU

[Chalky Emultion]

Hi,
I have a backup pc with the following hardware:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 @3,0 GHz
RAM: 4,5 GB DDR2 Dual Channel @856 MHz
Motherboard: Asus P5Q Pro
GPU: Ati Radeon HD 4870 X2 @800MHz/1000MHz
HDD: 200GB @7200rpm
2 case fans, power leds, 2xDVDs ROM

Powered by a NILOX 600W PSU.

Since I changed my GPU (from a GeForce GTS 450 to an HD 4870 X2), I noticed that my PSU makes a strange noise (similar to an electrical "beep") when i use games or other applications which make the GPU work at high performance.

Today I launched GPU-Z's render test in fullscreen mode, and after 5 minutes, hearing the "beep" from the PSU, I also noticed that it was really hot and I noticed a light burning smell. Immediatly I turned off my pc.

What should I do now? Should I replace the PSU with a new and better one? I don't want to burn my pc
(the PSU has got only 22A at 12V)

 

[Erick Aguilar]

That PSU is horrible.. no offense. I would have -never- trusted that GPU to such a weak PSU. I was barely able to find information about it online.

Change it asap.

 

[Chalky Emultion]

That PSU is horrible.. no offense. I would have -never- trusted that GPU to such a weak PSU. I was barely able to find information about it online.

Change it asap.

Yeah, I noticed it now.. It should explain also the high CPU and GPU temps in idle...
Please can you suggest me a good PSU for this pc?

 

[Erick Aguilar]

That PSU is horrible.. no offense. I would have -never- trusted that GPU to such a weak PSU. I was barely able to find information about it online.

Change it asap.

Yeah, I noticed it now.. It should explain also the high CPU and GPU temps in idle...
Please can you suggest me a good PSU for this pc?

Personally I like seasonic.. their 560W model is great. Modular and gold certified.
But I believe even a Cooler Mater 80+ bronze PSU would work for you if you do not want to spend as much.
The silent series is really good for a budget from what I've read.

 

[Chalky Emultion]

That PSU is horrible.. no offense. I would have -never- trusted that GPU to such a weak PSU. I was barely able to find information about it online.

Change it asap.

Yeah, I noticed it now.. It should explain also the high CPU and GPU temps in idle...
Please can you suggest me a good PSU for this pc?

Personally I like seasonic.. their 560W model is great. Modular and gold certified.
But I believe even a Cooler Mater 80+ bronze PSU would work for you if you do not want to spend as much.
The silent series is really good for a budget from what I've read.

ok, so how many Watts and how many Amp i need on 12V?

 

[Erick Aguilar]

Yeah, I noticed it now.. It should explain also the high CPU and GPU temps in idle...
Please can you suggest me a good PSU for this pc?

Personally I like seasonic.. their 560W model is great. Modular and gold certified.
But I believe even a Cooler Mater 80+ bronze PSU would work for you if you do not want to spend as much.
The silent series is really good for a budget from what I've read.

ok, so how many Watts and how many Amp i need on 12V?

You would need to calculate yourself.
There are plenty of wattage calculators online. But it should not be more than 500W with a REPUTABLE PSU.

 

[Chalky Emultion]

Ok, thank you very much!

 

[bobkn]

The 4870 X2 uses a 6 pin PCI-E power connector plus an 8 pin one. That makes it a high-powered card (as much as 300W, all by itself).

Sapphire recommends at least a 650W PSU:

SAPPHIRE ATOMIC HD 4870 X2 2G GDDR5 PCI-E#

They don't list a +12V current requirement, but I'd guess you'd want at least 40A. (A Corsair HX650 is rated at 54A at +12V.)

Is that Nilox PSU really rated at 22A at +12V? There are 300W power supplies that are rated above that. It would still be less than great if it has two +12V rails, with 22A each.

 

[kbrady1979]

First of all, let me ask..........do you actually need that graphics card in a backup computer? If it is absolutely necessary, I would go with this Corsair AX750 or the SeaSonic X750 equivalent, whichever you can get cheaper.

 

[Chalky Emultion]

The PSU has got 2 12V rails...

And yes, i need a fast GPU because i also use this pc for LAN party, with graphics demanding games...

 

[kbrady1979]

If you need that card, get the Corsair or SeaSonic 750watt I recommended above. They are pricey, but will last several years, and probably several builds. Full Modular, and 80+ Gold rating. They are known for reliability, and they both have 7 year warranties.

 

[Chalky Emultion]

If you need that card, get the Corsair or SeaSonic 750watt I recommended above. They are pricey, but will last several years, and probably several builds. Full Modular, and 80+ Gold rating. They are known for reliability, and they both have 7 year warranties.

Ok, thank you