New build won't boot and old PC now acting up

[Marse]

I've got a new build which won't boot and am waiting recommendations from the retailer.

My current 3 year old PC, per sig, is now causing me concern.

When I power up, there is occasionally the distinctive crack typical of a capacitive discharge or similar.

This morning along with the noise, I 'thought' I saw a flash, from the vicinity of the PSU. Everything seems to be working ok.
I assume a failing PSU could damage components and don't want to lose this PC.
A difficult question perhaps, but is the PSU, or whatever the cause, more likely to fail if left permanently powered up or if it switched on and off once a day.

I have the same make of PSU with the new build and am tempted to position it temporarily alongside the old PC.
Removing the old PSU from the top of the case would be quite an exercise so I could simply disconnect the old PSU from all the internal components.
Are there any problems with what I'm suggesting.

I assume it makes little difference to the PC if the PSU is inside or out.
If I leave the old PSU plugged in but not switched on this should leave the earth connected.

I don't want to end up without a PC especially when I've got a new one to sort out.

 

[95thrifles]

Doesnt make any difference if psu is outside the case no, so long as you dont touch anything whilst its running, however Id get the older psu RMAd promptish

 

[kapows]

send off old psu if you can
if not then take some time to remove it from the pc

you can leave the other one out if you want but be sure to put it back in the case
also, psu's run hot and good cooling will keep up longetivity aswell as cleaning out any dust.

if you go out and not gonna use it then turn it off, no point leaving it running idle doing nothing.

whats with the new build? what happens when you press the power on button?
did you put it together yourself?
tried short circuiting the power connectors on the mobo with a screwdriver?

 

[Marse]

The old PSU's 3 years old so I think I'm stuck with it.

I need a spare PC so I can see me having to buy a new PSU.

My issues with new build are here

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18192978

I started a new topic for this query relating to the old PC.

One thing I hadn't thought of springs to mind but is more relevant on the other thread so I'll make a further post there.

Not trying to mess you about - honestly

Thanks