PSU suddenly got very loud possible fan?

gbu · 27 Dec 2013

I have a Corsair CMPSU-600CX 600W Power Supply bought 27 Dec 2010 3 years old today.

Last night it developed a louder then normal whirring noise almost like the bearings are going, basic test i know but i just put a pencil through the grill to stop the fan briefly and the noise stopped.

Its out of warranty so if a new one is needed do they still make this model if not whats the latest version compatible?

Is there anything i can do if taken apart not sure if there 'serviceable' or not?

Also is it safe to still use for now or should i not use at all?

many thanks

linnemeyerhere · 27 Dec 2013

gbu,
When was the last time you cleaned it? It sounds like the bearing is dry and needs some oil, unfortunately opening it up will void any warranty stated or otherwise and you may want to reach out to Corsair as they have been known to support these issues as their PSU's are a core product. If they come back and say no then some extreme caution when handling PSU's will need to be researched but getting to a fan bearing isn't rocket science and once there a drop of oil could save the day or even changing the whole fan out.

Britton30 · 27 Dec 2013

Do NOT take it apart it has capacitors which can hold fatal voltages even after unplugged!

The fan is likely soldered in the circuitry anyway and a replacement would be near to impossible to find. ~~I was thinking Corsair's warranty was at least 5 years?~~ I just checked, it's 2 years on this one.
Here's some possible replacements.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...00W%20-%20699W

matts6887 · 27 Dec 2013

You generally never want to open any power supply as even after its been unplugged and the power button has been pressed to de energize the psu; there can still be residual voltage which can be deadly if you come in contact with it.

carwiz · 27 Dec 2013

I would get a better PSU anyway. The fan on mine hardly ever runs, or runs very slow, which means it's not getting hot. I know this because there's very little dust when I do my cleaning cycle. It's a case bottom mounted/intake with rear exhaust setup so there's plenty of dust available.

gbu · 28 Dec 2013

Thanks for the replies i think ill have to look into a new PSU then.
Over at Corsair forums someone suggest for a similar thing to :-

Remove the grill and PSU casing. This should give you access to the fan. On the bottom side of the fan(side with label) , you'll want to remove the label and underneath is a small rubber plug. Simply remove it and apply a drop or two of oil in the bearing. Any light machine or household oil works great.

Does this come into contact with any capacitors or do you think its just totally unsafe doing this?

linnemeyerhere · 28 Dec 2013

Looks to me as it's as simple as removing the fan grill only, then the fan label to access the bearing.

matts6887 · 28 Dec 2013

I still wouldn't risk opening it up as there are high voltages inside that psu which can be fatal
As mentioned before. However; if you find you can safely lubricate
It it may be worth a shot to try and save it.

gbu · 28 Dec 2013

Ok ill give it some thought, its actually quietened down a bit today, still noisier then it should be but not quite so unbearable so ill have a think on what to do.

In the mean time ive been looking and ive seen this one would this be suitable?
Looks almost identical replacement.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Buil...31&s=computers

Or is there a better one available for similar cost?

linnemeyerhere · 28 Dec 2013

Yes that should be suitable. Just remember the PSU is the heart of your rig and if there was ever a place to overspend then it's with the PSU. I prefer Seasonic's !

http://www.amazon.com/SeaSonic-650-W...owViewpoints=1