PSU Go Pop - So why does this happen?

mwtb

mwtb

mwtb

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21 Jul 2004
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248
The Antec PSU on my server box just let go with a quiet bang and the mains plug fuse blew out too (twice in fact, seeing as I replaced it and checked if the PSU would run on by itself). I guess time will tell if anything else went with it.

I've already ordered a new PSU, so this isn't the usual "spec me" thread. I was just wondering if anyone had any insight into why this happens. I mean, the PSU was a few years old and I run the server 24/7, so I'm not surprised it failed, but what is the mechanism outside of a short? Why do they go pop? What is the life-expectancy?
 
To answer my own question a little. The MTBF of the Antec seems to be 80000 hours, or a little over 9 years. I guess I'm on the unlucky end of the range.
 
The most likely part of a PSU to fail are the capacitors. These are often contain liquid which can leak out reducing the efficiency. Also if a capacitor is on it's way to failure it can heat up causing pressure inside (from the heated fluid) resulting in a pop and distinctive smell on failure. If this is the primary inlet smoothing capacitor then it will take at the fuse since it will have mains voltage applied accross it seperated only by a rectification circuit.

The rest of it is fairly sturdy providing decent airflow is maintained to keep the components operating within the temperature range.

If you look in the Wiki MTBF is a lousy measure. If I said your PSU had a design life of 1 year, the providing you change the unit every year the MTBF or 80000 hours would indicated that it should be 9 years before a unit failed in service. Unfortunately manufactures aren't as open with design life as they are with the better sounding MTBF figures.

Some manufactures are becoming wise to this and using higher grade components for a longer life.

Heat is a big killer, since it reduces the efficiency of the PSU so it has to work harder to supply the same current.

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decto said:
The most likely part of a PSU to fail are the capacitors...
Click to expand...

Thanks for a great answer. I guess I may get into the habit of having a spare PSU around. I'm up to three PCs in the house now, and it seems likely that one of them will fail every couple of years.
 
IAmATeaf said:
Was it under warranty? Did you find out what went pop?
Click to expand...

It is under warranty (three years from Enermax) its with them now - RMA and CS was extremely straight forwards and easy - top marks TBH - just waiting back as to the outcome.

As for what went pop im assuming a capacitor from the smell - took out the ground floor socket fuses on the house fuse box - luckily the rest of the PC appears to be fine :|
 
~TB~ said:
It is under warranty (three years from Enermax) its with them now - RMA and CS was extremely straight forwards and easy - top marks TBH - just waiting back as to the outcome.

As for what went pop im assuming a capacitor from the smell - took out the ground floor socket fuses on the house fuse box - luckily the rest of the PC appears to be fine :|
Click to expand...

Well the warranty and RMA is good to know. Reason I asked is I've been thinking of upgrading my current PSU and have always used Enermax with so far no problems.
 
Yeah i needed a replacement straight away so got the Infinity 720 (the replacement will become a spare)

TBH I think the Liberty is a better PSU as the cables are slightly longer (better for my large case) and the modular leads come with a mix of SATA and Molex power cables, where the Infinity doesnt so needs adapters (for me anyway).

I also found the Inifinty connectors on the PSU to be less than great :S
 
Wow, posted the duff PSU on the 20th (last Wednesday) and a brand new boxed replacement has just arrived (they did try and deliver yesterday, but I wasnt in !)

Now thats what i call Customer Service - N1 Enermax:)
 
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