Help, whats wrong with my PSU

TurnipHead · 20 Jul 2010 at 16:40

A high pitched noise came from my PSU about a year ago and a month later it exploded, got a new one and about a month ago the whistling the started again. The other day I powered my PC on, the whistling was extremely loud and the fans went crazy and switched itself off, so I bought a new power supply as I assumed it was the same problem, just plugged it all in and powered it on and fans went hyper and had the burning smell again.

Maybe it isn't the PSU to begin with? How can I find what the problem is?

AiiR · 20 Jul 2010 at 16:43

Maybe a problem with the mains? Tried a different socket? Just a guess.

Noble-Kebab · 20 Jul 2010 at 16:55

tried a different power lead?

TurnipHead · 20 Jul 2010 at 16:55

Didn't work, also tried a different cable. The little green light comes on on the mobo whenever I flick the switch on the back of the PSU. The power button to the PC isn't working at all.

Noble-Kebab · 20 Jul 2010 at 17:06

is something shorting somewhere?

TurnipHead · 20 Jul 2010 at 17:10

I don't know what shorting is.

Orcvader · 20 Jul 2010 at 17:12

What PSUs were they?

TurnipHead · 20 Jul 2010 at 17:25

New one is Antec TruePower New Modular 550W Power Supply, old one came with the Antec case. 400W PSU SP-400p. Couldn't see any trapped wires so I might just take it apart and rebuild it.

Orcvader · 20 Jul 2010 at 17:29

Try the PSU in another system... a system that you don't mind dying of course

Could be the motherboard messing up.

TurnipHead · 20 Jul 2010 at 18:38

I just reconneted the old PSU , just by the power, and wihout even touching the power button it turned itself on. All fans sped up, and I heard a quick click, or a snap or a crack and all the fans went off, then a second later they all powered back up, then went off, then on, then off.

So I guess I just wasted money on the PSU, is it the mobo? Is it still worth me taking it apart and rebuilding?

Will OcUK let me send it back if there isn't a fault with it?

Essexraptor · 20 Jul 2010 at 19:28

Sounds like a combination of problems here

First advise is SAFETY FIRST

LEAVE THIS SYSTEM WELL ALONE AND KEEP YOUR PINKIES OUT OF THE CASE!!!

Almost certain that the system is constantly live and shorting out which is killing your PSU. Could be something as simple as a stuck on power button.

Shorting is when you have conductive material (wire, metal) touching or very close to a electrical source and the electricity is taking the shortest path and/or jumping across.

recommend that your disconnect from the mains and strip this baby down and examine all the parts for contact and damage and rebuild.

OCUK will advise on RMA for your new PSU.. just contact sales or support