PSU Died - can't get a 350W replacement!?

Goof · 8 Mar 2007 at 14:09

Was wondering if anyone could help me - can't say I'm too impressed with Shuttle atm as it looks like I'll be on my 2nd shuttle, both of which have needed a new PSU in little over a year

For months I've been having what I thought was a HDD problem but it turns out the PSU on my SB25P has gone, powers on for a couple of seconds, then off. I've set about searching for a new one but it looks like the problem could be more serious than I thought, the SB25P uses a less standard 350W PSU, for which I could find no replacements on Google or the auctions.

I read on a US forum that in fact Shuttle may no longer supply them. Could anyone give me any ideas on whether a replacement is possible or even if psu's can be repaired (happy to open it if needed)? Or perhaps there's a 3rd party option. I'm thinking even if I can find one it's going to be around £50 in which case it'd hardly be worth my while

Tute · 8 Mar 2007 at 14:29

I really don't recommend trying to repair it. You might end up with a pretty nasty shock.

All I can suggest is either contacting Shuttle about a replacement, or will this one fit?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-012-EN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

Not sure if it will but I don't own a Shuttle so I can't tell.

Goof · 8 Mar 2007 at 14:58

Thanks Tute, not likely to fit tho as Shuttle's are long and thin. Wasn't going to open to PSU willy-nilly as I know the capicitors hold charge but meant I could under instructions.

Was wondering if I might get away with the 250W SilentX PSU - I run a HDD, DVD-R and X850XT PCI-E.

WJA96 · 8 Mar 2007 at 15:37

The biggest 'spare' PSU they do officially is a 400W unit for the P and P2 series. That is an odd-shaped unit (L-shaped) and it may or may not be what you are after. The most powerful long/thin one they do is the PC50 which is the approved upgrade from the SilentX 250, but the PC50 is only 300W, not 350W like the one you are mentioning. Have you tried typing the part number into google? It will be written on it somewhere. Also try contacting companies that claim to be Shuttle specialists. The real specialists will be able to get spare parts.

Goof · 8 Mar 2007 at 16:15

Thanks WJA, that's very helpful - yes, first thing I did was put the part number into google but it only gave 15 results, none of which were any use!

I think the PC50 would definitely be worth trying, if I can just get hold of one at a reasonable price - at £60 plus delivery I'd seriously just consider selling the barebones and getting something else. Just not worth it when neither of my shuttles lasted 18 months :mad:

Edit: actually, the PC50's power connector is in the wrong place so that wouldn't work.

Anyone know why these PSU's fail?

WJA96 · 8 Mar 2007 at 16:56

Goof said:
Thanks WJA, that's very helpful - yes, first thing I did was put the part number into google but it only gave 15 results, none of which were any use!

I think the PC50 would definitely be worth trying, if I can just get hold of one at a reasonable price - at £60 plus delivery I'd seriously just consider selling the barebones and getting something else. Just not worth it when neither of my shuttles lasted 18 months

Edit: actually, the PC50's power connector is in the wrong place so that wouldn't work.

Anyone know why these PSU's fail?

What about getting a Hoojum to put it in? They have external PSU's and, if nothing else, it would look pretty.

WJA96 · 8 Mar 2007 at 17:03

Is this what you're after?

Google for "Shuttle XPC spare parts" - the top answer has this part and several others. According to Shuttle's website it should be the right one for your system.

Goof · 8 Mar 2007 at 17:25

Yeah, that's more or less the one AJW (mine is actually the PC43I3502 but looks the same). £90 though! :eek:

Likewise with the hoojum, looks like I would be as well just buying something else. Can't believe shuttle screw over their customers like this!

WJA96 · 8 Mar 2007 at 17:27

Goof said:
Yeah, that's more or less the one AJW (mine is actually the PC43I3502 but looks the same). £90 though!

That's actually a 400W upgrade so it's a pretty hefty PSU for something so small. I have to agree though - I think they are extracting the urine with the UK price. The US price is $80 which is less than half that. Treasure Island Syndrome?

Goof · 11 Mar 2007 at 13:21

Yeah, WJA, I realised that was the 400W version, I just meant in terms of form it's the same.

Have had a last minute repreive on this though, decided to remove the old PSU and noticed that the rear ATX connector had scorch marks. On removing I realised the plastic sheath had actually melted on one of the lines! Decided to try cleaning up the contacts and voila, it's running again. Needless to say I'm concerned as to why this has happened though.

I think this will unfortunately be my last Shuttle which is sad because the shape and size is perfect for my requirements. However, the fact that Shuttle will effectively cut you off when their hardware fails (which it seems to do all too frequently), the fact they didn't even reply to my email to request BUYING a replacement and the fact that they (financially) exploit you when you need a replacement is not on.