What is this stuff inside my PSU?

Doctor McNinja · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:04

I've just got a new PSU (Seasonic G 360) and whilst I wait for my case to arrive, I'm passing some time by examining all the new doodads in detail. I noticed that there's some kind of substance inside my PSU. It looks like white blu-tack. At first I thought a cap had gone bad but the stuff is everywhere. So, I did a bit of googling and found that it seems to be normal judging by the following pictures (which I've photoshopped with MS Paint using my mad 1337 skillz). My interest has been peaked though. So, could someone please enlighten me to exactly what it is and what purpose it serves?

FARGO · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:07

I really don't know but, glue?

stulid · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:08

Potting compound.

Bacon? · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:09

stulid said:
Potting compound.

But where is the soil

Idleman · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:11

Can you post the link for Hardware secrets?

stulid · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:16

Potting compound/Resin to stop bits moving around (maybe for transport) or to stop high frequency vibrations from coils etc.

Idleman · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:17

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potting_(electronics)

Doctor McNinja · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:18

Idleman said:
Can you post the link for Hardware secrets?

Here's a link to the page where the unedited pictures appeared.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Seasonic-G-360-Power-Supply-Review/1634/2

Doctor McNinja · 5 Nov 2012 at 18:20

stulid said:
Potting compound.

stulid said:
Potting compound/Resin to stop bits moving around (maybe for transport) or to stop high frequency vibrations from coils etc.

Idleman said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potting_(electronics)

Thanks guys. That's cleared that up and given me something to read about tonight.

Dirk · 6 Nov 2012 at 09:40

*Piqued.

foster grant · 6 Nov 2012 at 09:48

I've seen stuff like that when i took apart a router some time back , so i pulled it off...and a bit fell off

c@tbyte · 6 Nov 2012 at 10:13

It looks like white Silicone Sealer. (The stuff they use in bathrooms, kitchens etc.)
If it feels rubbery, that's what it is.
Also seen it used to hold IDE cables secure for transportation.

KompuKare · 6 Nov 2012 at 10:34

So this stuff is which is missing when a GPU or PSU gives out coil whine?

Guess for something new it's better to return it if it whines but for things out of warranty a squirt of this stuff sounds better than nail varnish. But where would one get the right stuff - the normal domestic silicon applied with a gun is probably too messy for this, isn't it?

foster grant · 6 Nov 2012 at 11:13

It depends on how messy one is when using Silicone I suppose , when I use it for the household I use a wet finger to smooth it over or even a very small dab of washing up liquid

KompuKare · 6 Nov 2012 at 16:33

Very true. Despite having used the stuff a good few times, I am messy with it! Usually starts out well enough but after a few turns it ends up messy enough. Did re-do the bathroom a few months ago and it's not that bad (certainly very water proof) but it certainly could look a lot better. Messy stuff to clean up too - a pity acrylics are not longer lasting and suitable for wet areas.

jamesfreddie · 6 Nov 2012 at 16:46

Silastic.

It stops things i.e coils etc. vibrating loose or moving in transit.