Antec Smartpower fan not spinning.

StixxUK · 16 Sep 2006 at 14:14

Hi, just a quick question for anyone that's got an Antec Smartpower PSU.

I got mine with the Sonata case and have just noticed that the rear fan isn't on all the time. Having read the manual, it looks like maybe it's not meant to run unless the PSU gets hot, relying instead on the internal fan to cool the unit. I only took notice of this because last night I was using the machine and noticed a burning smell. The PSU also makes a very high-pitched noise, even when the PC is off, unless the I/O switch on the PSU itself is turned off. I thought the noise might be related to the (possibly) failed fan, but if it's there even when the machine is turned off, then presumably that can't be it.

If anyone has one of these PSUs and could check if the external exhaust fan is on all the time or what, I'd appreciate it.

Just the last check before I try to RMA it.

Tetras · 16 Sep 2006 at 16:35

It isn't always on, I actually had a piece of paper attached to my Smartpower with a warning about the fan turning off being a design feature and not a faulty unit.

payingattention · 16 Sep 2006 at 17:03

I believe the SmartPower PSU has 2 fans, one which should spin all the time, and one which only turns on when it reaches a certain temperature.

I would definitely be worried about the noise and the burning smell, though.

Papa Lazarou · 16 Sep 2006 at 17:15

Indeed. I don't think it sounds a great idea leaving that connected to the mains!!

StixxUK · 18 Sep 2006 at 09:21

Everything I've read on the internet about this sort of problem with this particular PSU leads me to believe it's a burst capacitor - the smell would have come when it actually went, and the high-pitched whine seems symptomatic.

I'm going to RMA it (to a competitor, so wish me luck

) but might just buy a better PSU as a replacement in the mean time - can't be without a PC for a few weeks, can I? - then sell one or the other when I get it fixed.

So, what's my cheapest option whilst still being reliable?

Spec:
Athlon 3500+ San Diego
Asus A8N-E
X800 GTO2 (modded)
2GB GEiL value RAM
2x Seagate Barracuda HDDs
Audigy 4
3Com Wifi card
1x Big ol' case fan
LG DVD RW

Looking at Seasonic mainly, but I want to see how low I can comfortably go. I'm not looking at adding anything else to the system in the near future - maybe an extra HDD. Is 430W too low?

burtie · 18 Sep 2006 at 09:44

430w is fine m8 also the Seasonic S12 430W Silent is a good choice nice and silent.

StixxUK · 18 Sep 2006 at 10:22

Looks like I'd have to get a special adaptor to plug it into my PCI-E graphics card though!

edit: Ooh, turns out I've already got one kicking around, surprisingly! Must've come with the graphics card or summat

edit: Closer inspection reveals that this one's only got 3 of the 6 pins with connectors in - the others are empty. Is this normal? :eek:

burtie · 18 Sep 2006 at 13:02

StixxUK said:
Looks like I'd have to get a special adaptor to plug it into my PCI-E graphics card though!

edit: Ooh, turns out I've already got one kicking around, surprisingly! Must've come with the graphics card or summat

edit: Closer inspection reveals that this one's only got 3 of the 6 pins with connectors in - the others are empty. Is this normal?

Well i just checked the adaptor that came with my graphics card and it has 3 pins but my psu connector has 6 - so i`m not sure m8.

StixxUK · 21 Sep 2006 at 12:53

Looks like the X800 series only need 3 of the 6 pins on the PCI-E connector. Anyway, it doesn't matter because it seems that newer S12 430s do come with the connector as standard now anyway. Also has a full, 24-pin connector for the mobo rather than a clip-on 4 pin attachment.