Faulty power supply or something else?

[Losyak]

I'm having some strange problems with my PSU. My computer went black last night while I was playing GTA IV. After some research on the web, I came to a conclusion that my PSU died. I attempted the paperclip trick with no success - fans didnt do anything. I was about ready to start shopping for a new one, plugged everything back into places, when I saw a red 115V/230V switch on the back. I switched it from default 115V to 230V and tried the paperclip test again. This time the fan on the back of the case (not PSU) started spinning, and lights on the front and the green light on CD-ROM lit up. I plugged the 24 pin connector back into the motherboard, and hit the on switch (still with 230V), and the same thing happened.From what I described above, what do you think has gone wrong with my PC? And why is PSU acting the way it is?

 

[Layback Bear]

You ask for help on your power supply and your power supply is not listed in your specs or your post. Your power supply switch should stay on the setting for your area. In the U.S.A. that would be 115 or 110 volts. If it doesn't work there your power supply should be replaced. DO NOT try to repair a power supply. Their can be enough stored amps to kill you. I recommend Corsair or Seasonic power supplies.

 

[Losyak]

I remember posting my PC specs on 7forums a while back using your toll, I thought PSU would be among those as well.Either way, the sticker on the PSU itself says its a Logisys with a total max. output of 480W.


Are you positive its the power supply that failed? It would be a pain to replace something else.

 

[Losyak]

If it is my PSU, which particular model would you think would fit me best.


Would really appreciate if someone responded asap. Newegg is having some black friday deals which I dont wanna miss.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have no idea what you mean by using my toll. What is a toll. If the power supply will not work when the switch is set properly and will when the switch is incorrectly set the power supply should be replaced. If it was my computer I would be looking for a Corsair or Seasonic in the 550 to 600W area. Modular if at all possible.
I'm as positive as any one can be sitting on the other end of the internet. Their is no way of knowing whether a new power supply will fix all your problems until it is replaced. When a power supply goes bad it can damage other hardware in your computer. The 115v circuit shorted to a 230v circuit could of over volt the system.

 

[Losyak]

I meant to say your tool, the one that collects my PC specs, and posts them in my profile.

 

[Layback Bear]

Now I understand. Their is no program that will tell you what power supply you have. You must read the sticker on the power supply.

 

[Britton30]

Here's a reasonable one, but involves a rebate. Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Silent Pro RS850-AMBAJ3-US 850W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.92 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply

 

[Losyak]

850 might be a bit too much. I mean, its almost double what I had before, Im afraid Im never gonna use that much.

 

[Losyak]

Would it make a huge difference if the psu is/is not modular?

 

[Dwarf]

Not really. However, a modular (or semi-modular, as I have), can really help towards a neater build and can aid airflow (and therefore cooling) because there won't be any (or as many) unused cables to tie back out of the way.

As regards PSU wattage, a decent PSU rated at 850W is capable of providing that amount of power. Contrary to some beliefs, the PSU only draws the amount of power that is required by the load placed upon it (plus a small overhead consumed by the PSU itself).

A cheap PSU, such as one that comes bundled with a case, might be rated at 500W but in reality is only capable of sustaining much less than that. In addition, the overhead consumed by the PSU itself will tend to be greater.

 

[Losyak]

Thanks youve all been a great help. Ill probably go with Corsair CX600, it looks like very decent value for a very small fee. Everywhere Ive looked so far lists Corsair products as one of top choices when picking psus. Although its not modular, I dont think Ill be having too many unused cords and wires for them to clog up the space and the airflow.

Once again, thank you and happy holidays!

 

[Britton30]

The CX600 is a good choice too, I was only looking at the ones on sale.

I have 2 modular PSUs and I love them! One only has the cables needed.

 

[Layback Bear]

Very good choice Losyak. If you do find a higher than 600W priced right buy it. No such thing as to much power. It's kind of like a care with 800 HP you can still drive around town with no problems. The horsepower is there but only used if and when needed. Their is a problem with modular power supplies. Once you use one your hooked. That is all you will ever use again.

 

[Indianatone]

Their is a problem with modular power supplies. Once you use one your hooked. That is all you will ever use again.

That is absolutely spot on and so true. I only ever look at modular power supplies for myself (except once when an Newegg.com - ENERMAX NAXN ENP450AST 450W ATX12V Power Supply was on sale for silly money and I stuck it in a media PC). I have a draw full of unused connectors in the nice case they provided to put the cables in.
Oh yeah hooked....