PSU burnt out or what? (Corsair TX650)

shadowlift · 12 Dec 2011 at 17:24

So,
Yesterday, a weird smell was coming from my computer, getting progressively worse. Later on, I decided to open it up and take a look; it was coming from the power supply. Being the fool I am, I plugged it straight back in and did a quick google about it, but by the time I was halfway down a tomshardware page, I started hearing a weird crackling/burning sound, and immediately turned the computer off. Just requested and RMA on Corsair's website, haven't tried this paperclip test because I didn't know what the hell it was talking about.

This was my first build I did about two years ago, and apart from an EXTREMELY loud CPU (don't know if there was anything wrong with it or if it's just the norm) I had pretty much no problems.

Just want some advice on what to do next, really out of my depth here and afraid other components have been fried :/

The PSU in concern is a Corsair TX650W, and I don't know if its wattage was enough to power my computer or what :/.

Specs:
Phenom II X4 955
Radeon 5850
4GB DDR3 Corsair RAM
Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P Mobo

Would love to hear from the same people who helped me built the computer in the first place

RJC · 12 Dec 2011 at 17:43

The PSU is more than enough to power your system system without issues.

The paper clip test: remove all power connections from the motherboard and components. On the main 24 pin ATX Connector remove the extra 4 pins, this should just unclip from the connectors and leave you with 20 pins, gets a paper clip and link out pins 13 & 14 on 20 pin connectors, and jus pt have a fan plugged into one of the molex connectors for a little load. Turn on the PSU and this should start.

Grimley · 12 Dec 2011 at 17:57

Here corsairs video on how to test a psu with a paperclip.

shadowlift · 12 Dec 2011 at 17:59

Are you sure it won't blow up? Haha excuse my stupidity

Plec · 12 Dec 2011 at 18:12

You'll be fine if you follow the instructions correctly:

Below are links to Huddy's site which has a step by step guide on how to test your PSU using a volt/multimeter if you're interested (not just the fan test):

'Use a multimeter to check your PSU' and one to 'How to check if your PSU is faulty'

shadowlift · 12 Dec 2011 at 18:35

Can't seem to find a paperclip lying around; will a staple suffice? Haha

Plec · 12 Dec 2011 at 18:37

shadowlift said:
Can't seem to find a paperclip lying around; will a staple suffice? Haha

Sure if it can reach - i use an old piece of electrical wire from an old plug etc...

shadowlift · 12 Dec 2011 at 19:03

Something pretty weird just happened - I put the staple in, turned it on from the mains and in the power supply, no effect. I then turn the switch on the power supply off, and start removing the staple, when the fans spring to life because of the movement of the staple. AFAIK, power supplies shouldn't be active when their switch is off

? Haha, I guess I'll just get hold of a paperclip tomorrow and see how that fares

Plec · 12 Dec 2011 at 19:15

Have you got an old bit of cable (light, plug flex) as this is perfect for this test?

Isolate one wire (rip it out) then strip both ends and then fold up each end (double thickness) to ensure that it's thick enough to make full contact with the PSU pin.

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 17:07

Okay, just tried it, the fans spin up for a brief second and then stop. So it's fried, right? Knowing corsair's reputation and everything, I really didn't expect this... even more annoyed about why I have to pay for shipping costs to holland for them! :/

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 17:44

Anyone have any experience with corsair then?

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 18:58

Bump - want to get this done ASAP as the computer is very important for my work

RJC · 13 Dec 2011 at 19:03

Sadly PSU will fail regardless of manufacturer

Can you try going through the original place of purchase.

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 19:20

I know that, its just that 2 years is... Sub par

I tried going through SCAN, they said for corsair stuff they refer me straight to the manufacturer :/

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 19:30

And should I use an international carrier or does royal mail work fine?

Karateyid · 13 Dec 2011 at 19:34

guess will all depend on the price and level of cover... i know a few people have said some couriers are a lot cheaper than royal mails offering... where's it going to and how much does it weigh ?

Robbiec053 · 13 Dec 2011 at 19:34

Corsair have fantastic customer service and I wouldn't be surprised if they offered to replace the PSU, especially since (unless I'm mistaken) Corsair PSUs come with 5 years warranty as standard.

Hope this is all resolved quickly for you

shadowlift · 13 Dec 2011 at 20:09

I hope so too, but I was just slightly put off by all of the automated responses - I got one saying my RMA was approved within 10 seconds of completing the form! Don't know whether this is dodgy our just good service, lol.
Weighs about 3 kilos, going to Netherlands. Best deal I could find was like £15, but still don't feel comfortable having to pay this when its a fault in their own product anyway.

shadowlift · 14 Dec 2011 at 16:34

Collection is ordered, hopefully this all goes to plan

On a side note, would anyone recommend me getting an extra 4 gigs of RAM?
Playing BF3, I notice my memory usage goes up to nearly 95%, and the game sometimes starts stuttering - I don't know if this is a memory leak issue that will be resolved, or that games nowadays are starting to require more RAM?