16 replies to this topic

[GTReventon]

Hey Guys its me again.


Well I was able to fix my PC by replacing the PSU with another PSU I have. Worked great for almost a week or so. But something happened a while ago before posting this.


I was playing AoEIII on my PC for almost 3 days now (Not Non-Stop Gaming) but today my PC just made a loud clapping noise and just shuts down itself. the AVR is not turned off so its definitely somewhere inside the CPU Case. after the shutdown, I smelled something burnt or something but not sure. Definitely something happened inside but I checked and I don't see any burnt wires or something.


Im not experienced when it comes to Electrical stuff. I want to try turning on the PC again but was wondering what could be the outcome. Anyone heard any exploding, blazing computers after such event?

I also don't have anybody that could help me identify the problem. My guess is that its the PSU again but I don't want to take the risk of opening it and checking it myself. Its the Last PSU I have...

[Ace of Spades]

Hey Guys its me again.


Well I was able to fix my PC by replacing the PSU with another PSU I have. Worked great for almost a week or so. But something happened a while ago before posting this.


I was playing AoEIII on my PC for almost 3 days now (Not Non-Stop Gaming) but today my PC just made a loud clapping noise and just shuts down itself. the AVR is not turned off so its definitely somewhere inside the CPU Case. after the shutdown, I smelled something burnt or something but not sure. Definitely something happened inside but I checked and I don't see any burnt wires or something.


Im not experienced when it comes to Electrical stuff. I want to try turning on the PC again but was wondering what could be the outcome. Anyone heard any exploding, blazing computers after such event?

I also don't have anybody that could help me identify the problem. My guess is that its the PSU again but I don't want to take the risk of opening it and checking it myself. Its the Last PSU I have...

From a commonsense perspective, disconnect everything, ground the computer case if you can and let it sit for a day or so. (to remove any remnant charge), open the case up and pull everything apart, check to see if there are any marks on the case where a part could of shorted out. Check all the components to see if any of them have been the cause of the failure. It sounds like something has been overloaded or shorted. This could of come from extreme heat melting a part and then shorting onto something else. Come back to us with what you've found

[_akier_]

stick your nose (not literally) at the back of the psu, if you smell the residue of something burnt; replace it.

[Dr. Doom]

A few years ago, when I played AoE3 my hard drive died. I say the game is evil. Stick with Age of Mythology or AoE2.

PS - replace the power supply, and don't buy the cheapest one, they suck.

[Munkypoo7]

Blown capacitor. Either within your PSU or on your GPU (99% of the time)

If neither, check your motherboard for a blown / ruptured cap.


What a ruptured cap looks like

Spoiler

Check the GPU first, then the Motherboard, especially around the CPU socket. If both are clear... check the psu. Try a basic paper clip method to see if it works at all. [You do not need that much electrical tape.. regular Scotch Tape works just fine too and in much less quantity

[GTReventon]

Ok. I spent 3 hours disassembling the whole system + the Cable Setup on the back of my desk. Checked every single wire, smelled each components.


I see no burnt marks, Torn Wires, Blown Out Capacitors, etc. in the Mobo, GPU, Sound Card, HDD, RAM, ODDs, PSU, PSU Cables. I don't smell anything wrong with the components too. If you guys know what a new PC Component smells like then that is the smell of the PSU and that has been always the smell of it.

I don't know if I should do that paperclip method. Its too risky for me to try.



I plan to run the computer tomorrow. Do you guys think it would be safe to do so?

[Villain]

This one is hosed. Buy a new one, if you can.

[GTReventon]

After a week of PC working. Its back with problems...


Anyways. Can you guys suggest any good PSU for replacement? Like Manufacturer or Model of the PSU would be fine. I think 600W is enough for this system...

[Afzal]

Blown PSU fuse? open up the PSU and check stuff.

[_akier_]

if you can afford it, antec, ocz, cooler master, or corsair

[GTReventon]

Hmm.. you guys think is safe to open PSU?


I might be looking myself for an Antec or an OCZ. Depends if they are available in the Market...

[Ace of Spades]

Hmm.. you guys think is safe to open PSU?


I might be looking myself for an Antec or an OCZ. Depends if they are available in the Market...

If you're that worried, wear rubber gloves

Yes worth looking inside the PSU.
for future reference NEVER EVER skimp on the PSU. Corsair are very highly rated I would suggest anything from their line as I've used one in every computer I've built for myself and friends, and no matter how hard we push, it's always good.

[GTReventon]

Well I already bought a Thermaltake PSU. Its 600W and Modular Design. Will update once I know the Model since I asked someone to buy for me


might open the broken PSU and check it...

[GTReventon]

Well I have received the new PSU. Its a Thermaltake Lightpower 600W. Now the thing I noticed is that it doesn't have CPU 4-pin Cable in it. but it included 2 4-pin Cable. Could I use one of those 4-pin in the CPU because i thought those 2 4-pins are for GPU use. Just want to make sure...




Also I saw this burnt board inside the old PSU. confirmed its the problem..

[Munkypoo7]

They should be labeled something to the effect of CPU1 and CPU2, either one of the 4 pins can be used for your CPU connector though.

Remember GPU's only use 6 and 8 pin connectors or old school Molex, not 4 pin cables as you photographed

Most newer boards [1156, 1155, 1366] use 2x4pin EPS connectors, which is why that one is split into two, so you have the option of utilizing both on a newer board, or just one on an older system.

ninja edited for typos of doom!

Edited by Munkypoo7, 31 August 2011 - 11:12 AM.

[GTReventon]

Thanks for the help guys!

I am using my PC right now. My Motherboard only uses a Single 4Pin cable So i wasn't aware of that.


I also used this Black Foam that came inside the new PSU Box, used it as a Noise Suppressor and now my PC is barely noisy at all

[Munkypoo7]

Thanks for the help guys!

I am using my PC right now. My Motherboard only uses a Single 4Pin cable So i wasn't aware of that.


I also used this Black Foam that came inside the new PSU Box, used it as a Noise Suppressor and now my PC is barely noisy at all

Awesome!