Power Supply problem, please help me

The Scop · 8 Feb 2011 at 00:33

Hi,

Just in case it helps before I begin here are specs of my pc (bought a ocuk system (complete system they build (Titan Goliath) just over a year ago)) - intel core i7 920 @3.4ghz, gigabyte EX58 - UD3R mobo, 6gb DDR3 Corsair Xms3 Ram, XFX 4890 1GB Gpu, 1TB Seagate Barracuda SATA II HDD (I assume sata 2), Corsair TX 650w PSU, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit, etc.

Ok so what my problem or what I guess could be/become a problem is this. I turned on my computer this afternoon, everything was fine as usual, used it for about 40-55mins, I heard a funny noise, possibly scrapey noise, then I smelt a burnt smell coming from my comp, not hugely smelly but you could smell it, my comp seemed to be working just fine still but I immediately safely shut it down, powered everything off. Next I gently moved it onto it side opened case up, dusted (I do dust inside the case as often as I can once every 2-4 months) everything, assuming it was my GPU I removed it and smelt it, it didn't smell of burnt smell much (bear in mind with the fans probably blowing the smell around the whole inside smelt a little. I gently unhooked the power supply (case is the lancool dragonlord k-62) and smelt the underfan area bit, I'm pretty sure this was the source of the smell.

The things I don't understand are why the computer was still running fine after I smelt the burnt smell, surely if the psu had a problem the computer would power off instantly due to not having power go to it, unless perhaps it was the psu's fan going, I don't know I'm afraid I'm not the most computer hardware knowledged guy. The questions I ask are do you huys know what the problem might be and what do I do next, I am tempted to try it tomorrow afternoon as perhaps it was just overheating due to the fact I have used it a lot over the last few days, but I won't do anything that could reck my pc without your advice first.

Thanks for any help/advice/suggestions in advance
I'm worried about my pc, I hope this isn't a major prob but you guys know about this stuff.

Thanks again

Mark

mattyfez · 8 Feb 2011 at 01:04

Based on that, its a faulty PSU, but do have a good look inside for anything that looks burned or deformed.

Also, as you have, give everything a good sniff/visual inspection. Anything, including cables, caps on the motherboard that is/are melted, black, brown or yellow (as in burnt) or mis-shapen are a problem.

It might just be a faulty PSU, if that is where the smell came from, but best to have a good look at everything.

Also, if you have been cleaning the inside on a regular basis, this might actualy be a bad thing, as you could disturb/introduce fluff/fibers that could burn/ short, and cause a smell.

I'm not saying that is the case though, have a good look and sniff around, If the PSU is faulty you shouldn't be powering it up again, If bought as a whole system, you should ring OCUK, and see what they say about it.

The Scop · 8 Feb 2011 at 09:40

I'll have another look, thing is now I've left it overnight the smell witll probably have gone, but visually whatever the problem is should still be the same. I assumed as the system was over a year old, thereby out warranty OCUK wouldn't be able to do anything?

pcAnywhere · 8 Feb 2011 at 09:47

The Scop said:
I'll have another look, thing is now I've left it overnight the smell witll probably have gone, but visually whatever the problem is should still be the same. I assumed as the system was over a year old, thereby out warranty OCUK wouldn't be able to do anything?

Whilst the system is out of OC warranty, the PSU will no doubt have the remainder of the manufacturers warranty. Which is a good reason for not taking it apart to look for broken bits!

The Scop · 8 Feb 2011 at 11:17

Update guys, the computer will not switch on at all now, tried several power plugs so i know its not a blown fuse in a plug, I'm glad i managed to shut the machine down safely yesterday. So now I'm guessing its the PSU and its completely gone? Obviously my main hope is that the other components are all ok, after the smell just before i safely shut it down yesterday they were all fine, sow what do i do now, i'm guessing I need a new PSU.

smudge2126 · 8 Feb 2011 at 11:20

Yeah new PSU and see about the warrenty on yours mate shouldstill be covered

pcAnywhere · 8 Feb 2011 at 11:27

That corsair has a 5 Year Warranty. RMA that sucker!

The Scop · 8 Feb 2011 at 11:44

If (dont worry i will) I RMa it, this means I'm going to have to remove it intirely from my computer aren't I (this is a prebuilt OCUK complete system) so they can collect it or something I'm assuming, and then once I recieve a new one goodness knows how I'll be able to put it back in the computer, lol this isn't my area of computer expertise I'm afraid to say

lcg · 8 Feb 2011 at 12:08

The Scop said:
If (dont worry i will) I RMa it, this means I'm going to have to remove it intirely from my computer aren't I (this is a prebuilt OCUK complete system) so they can collect it or something I'm assuming, and then once I recieve a new one goodness knows how I'll be able to put it back in the computer, lol this isn't my area of computer expertise I'm afraid to say

I believe your computer has a one year warranty with OcUK, so you will not be able to send the PSU back to them. Instead, you'll have to send the PSU to Corsair's RMA centre in the Netherlands, which will be at your expense. I did this a week ago with my HX520W, and am waiting for Corsair to send me a replacement. You won't be charged by for the shipping of the replacement.

You can send an RMA request here: http://www.corsair.com/support

The Scop · 8 Feb 2011 at 16:52

Once I get another PSU ame model or otherwise, if i install it, connecting everything how it was, will i be able to switch my pc on and everything will be normal or are there any complicated settings i have to adjust software-wise, i assume the PSU just powers the pc.