Power supply cable... (I'm freaking out!)

[Gornot]

At first I didn't even know what to think... Then I thought it wasn't anything important, but now I'm starting to freak out.

I am hearing "quiet" buzzing sounds coming out of my power supply. The power supply itself is very new but the cable I'm using is around 5 years old. If I reach to the cable and try to move it, pressing it deeper into the power supply box, the buzzing stops but as soon as I let go of it, the buzzing continues. It's as if the contact between the supply box and the cable is a bit loose, I can feel it while gently moving the cable. There are no other issues with the power except for this buzzing sound, but still I am freaking out.

The cable I'm using now is the same one I used with my old PC, which completely broke down; I had a similar problem with the monitor cable which, in the end, ruined my monitor and the whole PC. There was a shortage and suddenly I could hear and see the sparks on the back of the monitor, right where the cable is inserted. I turned off the PC in time because the monitor was almost caught on fire. Then I bought the current monitor and plugged it in, I tried to boot into WinXP but the RAM slots on the motherboard were completely dead and I couldn't even get to the BIOS. When I was building this new PC I changed everything... Except that power supply cable!
But I've been hearing this buzzing sounds for only a few days now, and just wanted to ask for advice, just in case.
Should I just buy a new cable, or can it be a different issue?

 

[richc46]

At first I didn't even know what to think... Then I thought it wasn't anything important, but now I'm starting to freak out.

I am hearing "quiet" buzzing sounds coming out of my power supply. The power supply itself is very new but the cable I'm using is around 5 years old. If I reach to the cable and try to move it, pressing it deeper into the power supply box, the buzzing stops but as soon as I let go of it, the buzzing continues. It's as if the contact between the supply box and the cable is a bit loose, I can feel it while gently moving the cable. There are no other issues with the power except for this buzzing sound, but still I am freaking out.

The cable I'm using now is the same one I used with my old PC, which completely broke down; I had a similar problem with the monitor cable which, in the end, ruined my monitor and the whole PC. There was a shortage and suddenly I could hear and see the sparks on the back of the monitor, right where the cable is inserted. I turned off the PC in time because the monitor was almost caught on fire. Then I bought the current monitor and plugged it in, I tried to boot into WinXP but the RAM slots on the motherboard were completely dead and I couldn't even get to the BIOS. When I was building this new PC I changed everything... Except that power supply cable!
But I've been hearing this buzzing sounds for only a few days now, and just wanted to ask for advice, just in case.
Should I just buy a new cable, or can it be a different issue?

It sounds like it is the cable. Buy a new one, if we are mistaken and that is not the issue, you may need a new one soon anyway.

 

[Gornot]

Okay, I just switched the cable and I'm still hearing the buzzing sounds. Now I'm being paranoid. How can it be the power supply itself, it's completely new, bought it in september.

 

[richc46]

Okay, I just switched the cable and I'm still hearing the buzzing sounds. Now I'm being paranoid. How can it be the power supply itself, it's completely new, bought it in september.

We can only use the information that you give us. You said that if you hold the PS and cable close toghether, the buzzing stops. It really has to be the cable or the PS. You bought a new cable, but the problem persists. Hence, it is the PS.

You said the PS, is new, I would try for an exchange or refund. There is no reason that a buzz should be present. I do not think a PS is the area that you would want to take a chance, in order to save a few dollars.

I'm sorry that what should be just an enjoyable experience is turning into such a headache.

 

[sygnus21]

Since this is a new power supply i'd have it replaced. No need in mucking around only to find out it fried and took your system with it. And as mentioned, get a quality one at that.

My two cents

 

[Gornot]

Yes, I guess, now I only have to figure out where to find the cash to buy it XD
Perhaps I'll call the guy who made the hardware update as well, he knows where he bought all this crap.

 

[magicK]

What kind of PSU is this??

 

[Gornot]

I have no idea... LS-52 something something, not sure... 500W

 

[magicK]

Hmm...I'd say its probably fine but do what you gotta do...

 

[Gornot]

I think it started when I was forced to stop using the Realtek's Ethernet adapter and put in TP-LINK's wireless adapter, but just today I took it out and managed to get my internet connection back through the cable and Realtek's adapter, I cleaned out the processor of dust and checked everything else, including the PSU. Nothing seemed to be loose, no cables were near the fan... So I don't know... Perhaps it is alright, but I'll check with the guy who built it just in case.

 

[Tepid]

For future reference.

One place you do not want to skimp is PSU Quality.
Do not worry so much about getting the most power, but what is needed plus a little, but Quality is key.
If you only need 450W then get a good 500W, not a cheap 650W.

Always take a downgrade (not quality wise) in other parts,, slower CPU or less ram, smaller HDD, whatever.

New parts can be defective, get them replaced ASAP and do not use them, Especially a PSU. Power is a funny thing and can reek havoc on a PC in very short order, or cause problems that may appear to be from other hardware. Lesson here,, don't skimp on PSU, and don't take them for granted.

I know I am reitterating what has already been posted for the most part, but just want to drive the point home.

And last but not least,,, almost all good new PSU's should come with a new power cable.
Always, Always and forever, use it, when replacing the PSU. Do not continue using the old one. Even if the old PSU was working.

**if it is a cheap junk PC that you are not worried about or giving away, then you can skimp on the PSU**