Bang! + Burning Smell = Fearing the Worst!

Meritor · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:18

Yesterday I moved my PC to its new desk, but after I plugged it back in and powered it up there was a loud Bang and spark from the rear of the system, which was followed by a very strong burning smell. I have tested my extension lead and the power lead but the PC just cuts out as soon as its powered up. I removed the side panel to be greeted by a small amount of smoke and an even stronger burning smell, does anyone know what the possible problem could be and how would I go about fixing it??

Thanks,
M,

Edward01 · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:23

trust that's entirely normal, the more smoke the better

could be anthing, first thing i'd try is a different psu if you got one

ChrisLX200 · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:25

PSU blown up. What make was it?

something daft already!! · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:26

Another vote for PSU, hope it didnt take out anything else.

AtaRo · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:48

check mobo 1st and other parts for damage before putting another psu.

Meritor · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:50

The only spare PSU I have is a 250w one in an old PC from a few years back, will that be good enough??

The PSU I have inside at the moment is a SilverPower one >.<

OneTime · 20 Jan 2009 at 13:51

most likely going to be the PSU. Obviously have a check of all other components.

How old is the SilverPower?
What is the rest of your comp spec?

freak2002 · 20 Jan 2009 at 14:31

Last time this happened to me, someone had on purpose (it was at the school I work in) switched it to 115v on the red switch, has your PSU got one? If so check it!

icey_haj · 20 Jan 2009 at 14:43

freak2002 said:
Last time this happened to me, someone had on purpose (it was at the school I work in) switched it to 115v on the red switch, has your PSU got one? If so check it!

I did that with my first PC like 10 years ago, gave a me a fright :eek:

pastymuncher · 20 Jan 2009 at 14:46

PSU has expired. I expected another Hiper when i started reading. With any luck it has'nt taken anything else with it.

Do not try powering up until you get a new psu. You are likely to just cause more damage. I would'nt even try the 250w one from a few years ago as it's likely to be a poor quality one. Buy a quality replacement and don't skimp on it.

Meritor · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:07

Guess if replacing the PSU is my only option then it will retire to the spare room until I can afford to fix it, thanks for the replies guys,

When i do get the money to replace it what should i go for?

Edward01 · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:11

corsair, pc p and c, be quiet!, seasonic or tagan. Any of these are good, the corsair in particular.

lunarwolf · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:15

Edward01 said:
corsair, pc p and c, be quiet!, seasonic or tagan. Any of these are good, the corsair in particular.

you can add enermax and zalman, they are also top quality

PS corsair psu 750w and under are made by seasonic

Meritor · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:16

Thanks for the fast replies, how much power should i be looking to get to keep everything happy?

M,

Edward01 · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:17

aren't corsair, tagan and seasonic all made by the same company now? remember reading an article on them recently...

pastymuncher · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:17

Hang fire. What's your spec? People are too eager to recommend large psu's when mostly they are not needed.

Edward01 · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:21

yep Tagans and Seasonic are all made by maxpoint who incdentley enough also make the silver power one you had that blew up.

Oh and Corsair are based on seasonic, but not made by Maxpoint it turns out.

Corasik · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:28

Edward01 said:
Oh and Corsair are based on seasonic, but not made by Maxpoint it turns out.

Some models of Corsair PSU are made by Seasonic, others are made by CWT, they are all excellent regardless of model/oem. I believe the HX's are Seasonics, the VX's are CWT. The TX650 is a Seasonic, but the other TX supplies are CWT.

lunarwolf · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:30

the HX1000 is made by CWT not seasonic, other HX are seasonic

PS unlucky about your PSU, they seemed to be quite good for the money, too good to be true? http://www.cpu3d.com/review/5949-1/s...roduction.html would be interesting to see if this is an isolated case or will more of these issues pop up

Meritor · 20 Jan 2009 at 15:34

Oh sorry i thought i had listed it in my opening post,

My Spec is:

MOB: P5Q Pro
GFX: nVid BFG 260GTX
RAM: Twin2X4096-6400C4DHX
SC: Creative SoundBlaster X-FI Xtreme Gamer PCI 7.1Ch
HDD: 500 GB Western Digital Caviar Blue x2