Calling all PC hardware experts...

**Sonsey** · 30-10-2006, 21:22

Hi folks, got a bit of a problem and could do with some advice, if you'd all be so kind.

Earlier today while browsing the forums I heard a bang, saw a flash of light come from the PC and everything went from the monitor, I leaned over the PC and smelt a bad burning smell so quickly pulled the plugs and waited a bit then dissconnected everything.

Opening the case to have a nose around I noticed (besides the dust) that the power supply was smelling a bit burnt so it seems like that is the culpret. Obviously I need to find a better, well vented, less dusty place to keep the PC.

Firstly, can anyone tell me how likely it is that the power supply has fried other parts of the PC when it decided to go pop, and secondly, can anyone give me some reccommendations for a new power supply?

If you need anymore details than what I've given let me know.

Thanks in advance everyone!

IanHoughton · 30-10-2006, 22:35

Sorry to hear the news, at least you were around to pull the plugs out

I'm not sure if the PSU would have fried any other components, my advice would be to get another PSU and dis-connect all non-essential boards / drives and try to boot up.

As for advice on new PSU's, it depends on what kit your running, I have an Akasa AK-P460FG PSU with 3 HD's, 2 DVD drives, SLi graphics card & TV tuner. Anymore and i'll have to think about upgrading it. As long as your not running multiple graphics cards, anything in the region of 500-600w should keep you safe for future upgrades. A cheap brand / low wattage can lead to poor system running.

Try here for some reviews Custom PC, click on Labs down the left and select PSU's from the right.

You could always fit one of these Galaxy 1000w PSU, but not if you leave your PC on for any amount of time !!

Hope this helps...

orangepeel · 30-10-2006, 22:44

What power rating is your old one? Has gubbins been added since you got it?

I've never come across an exploded PSU hurting other componets... other than your blood pressure (Try leaning over one when it goes bang). I have however come across faulty mobo's that blow up PSU's

If you've added kit since origionally buying the PSU then consider getting a higher rated unit.

As for brands, lots to choose from tbh and very wide price ranges. I quite like the enermax ones as they tend to be quite quiet. I've also bought a few jeantech from PCWorld *shudder* for clients and had no bothers to date...

**Markulous** · 30-10-2006, 23:13

Might take down the mobo. I've just replaced a PS, Mobo and processor - and system had been left switched off! Go figure! Especially which took which down!

I'd say 350-400W would be more than sufficient. But it is worth getting a better than cheap and cheerful one - there are a goodly number of rubbish PSs around. It's my most popular failure at present

**Sonsey** · 31-10-2006, 04:21

Thanks for the replies so far guys

In regards to what I've got and what it's running... It's an Antec 380w PSU that came with the Antec Sonata case I bought for my first and only self build I've done, running an AMD XP2500 barton system (MSI mobo) with 2 sata HDD (160 & 250 gig), a DVD drive and DVD burner and an ATI 9800pro gfx card... all bought about 3 years ago. I recently added a graphics tablet and USB/card reader devices (both USB powered) about a week ago, so I think that combined with the dusty and confined location caused it to go pop.

It's good to know there's a half decent chance it hasn't taken anything else down with it, but I'm still not getting my hopes up!!...

Thanks for the Custom PC link, I'll give it a good look over

Any further replies greatly appreciated

Soupdragon · 31-10-2006, 07:01

It's a switch mode power supply and it's normally a great big wire resistor that goes pop.
It is unlikely this has taken your main board out as it is on the input side.
As all others have said, get a bigger power supply.
Mind you, it is almost as cheap to buy a case and power supply as it is to buy just a power supply.
Plus it will give you a chance to de-dust your computer.
Good luck.

**stepheno** · 31-10-2006, 07:06

Here's a couple of links to power calculators - Journey Systems and vbutils. HTH.

orangepeel · 31-10-2006, 08:08

I'm running pretty much the same setup as you (minus an optical drive) but on a 350W PSU.

I'd have thought a 400W psu would be fine.

vicar · 31-10-2006, 17:58

Try the seasonic brand(430w or higher), nice, quiet and efficient. Reviews are also ggod. Psu ratings depends on what you've got before, but going higher would allow you space to grow and might even save on the electric bill.

Until you install a new psu you won't be able to find out what else has been fried, mobo is usually the next thing to go and psu do go up in smoke.

silkstone · 31-10-2006, 21:06

Another vote here for Seasonic.

There's a Seasonic S12 430w in my newish PC which has 2 hard drives, 2 optical drives and a decent ATI graphics card, and all seems well so far. I got mine from Scan Computers UK but unfortunately the website says that they're out of stock until 22 November.

Can anyone smell burning?

**Sonsey** · 01-11-2006, 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkstone

Can anyone smell burning?

I'm sure I can still smell it in the room!

Thanks for the replies folks

I was looking at the 500w Seasonic but didn't really want to spend £80, plus you know they'll just hammer me for delivery because I live in N. Ireland

I guess I'll just have to take the brunt on this one and pay up

**Sonsey** · 02-11-2006, 21:36

Ok, I've been reading through details far too much and just need to get one now... so, two last questions

Does getting a bigger PSU (e.g 600w instead of 430w) cost anymore to run than a smaller one, my PC stays on quite a bit and I don't want to be surprised by the next electric bill.... and were's the best places to buy from in the UK?

Thanks folks!