Is my PSU dying?

[Vreki]

The setup is this:
All my computer stuff is usually turned off at the wall socket at night, to keep the standby power usage down.

Lately I have on occasion been hearing a loud pop when I turn on the power. It seems to be coming from the PSU, but it only happens about once a week, so I havent been watching it closely.
Except one time where I had the PSU turned off by its own power button, and that time it definately seemed to be coming from the PSU.
But the strange thing is that the system powers up without any problems, except for that sound.

The PSU is a high quality Corsair TX650, but it is a couple of years old.
So I am worrying that it might be going bad, and even more so if it might decide to fry other components when it finally kicks the bucket?

I found a thread somewhere about a similar problem, but no solution: http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=136629

So should I keep as long as it works, or is it a threat to my system that I should get rid of?

[Rambo]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

Even if the PS went into melt down i dont think it would ever get + over voltages to damage your system, at worse you may lose the work you had out when it does eventually die.The great thing about computers is that they work on low voltages so nill threat to system parts IMO , some of my computers get pretty noisy but they keep on chugging along.

Usually when my power supplies die its usually a simple plug and play fix.

Edit,how loud is this pop?It might be prudent to replace it if its a loud loud noise?,it not a pop thru your speakers is it?.

[Vreki]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

It is very loud, but I am usually quite some distance form the PC when I turn it on so it is hard to pinpoint.
The only sound device connected is a headset, I dont think it can make that kind of noise.

It sounded like the PSU the one time where turned on the PSU itself and got the pop, but I should do proably test it some more that way.

Btw I found out that the guy with a similar problem ended up with a dead PSU

[eradicator8]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

With my limited experience with computer devices but with an extensive experience with other electronical devices I can only advise you to start looking for a new PSU or make a claim with the supplier if it is within warranty.
If an electronic device starts making a noice it is not supposed to then you can with most likelyhood assume that it is slowly dying. If your car was making noices wouldn´t you send it to the mechanic?
In this case taking it apart is probably not woth the effort unless you´re an electronic´s wizz.

[Vreki]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

I wouldnt trust it again after I had taken it apart, 220V is enough to start a nice little fire if you mess up.

There is a 5 year warranty, but it involves international shipping so I would be out of an PSU for who knows how long.
Of course I could send it in after I bought a new one, it is alway nice to have a backup.

Actually I have been considering a PSU upgrade for a while since I might want to crossfire again some time in the future. I just didnt expect it to be right now

I have been looking at these three which are similar priced in DK.

http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6628

http://www.chill-innovation.com/products/products.php?kategori=1&products=23

http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-power-supply-units/enthusiast-series-tx950-80-plus-bronze-certified-power-supply.html

At the moment I am favouring the Coolermaster since the Corsair is not modular and it is hard to find reviews for the one from chill-inovations.

[CptainCrunch]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

Yeah, it could be an arc or capacitor that is doing something strange. I dont think its the capacitors just because usually when they pop the system doesnt come back or will reboot every few minutes after a discharge. In any case you should start looking for a repair/replacement right away.

I like the coolermaster power supplies. Theyve been reliable for me. The corsair isnt bad, but they are more known for their RAM. I dont like how the Chill one is designed. I dont have any experience with them though, they may be good, but I wouldnt pick them myself.

Crunch

[Vreki]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

I did a bit of testing, and have so far been unable to reproduce the loud pop.
But I did see a spark fall from it, so I guess that settles it. Better get rid of it before something catches fire.

[Vreki]

Re: Is my PSU dying?

So, I bought the Coolermaster Silent Pro M1000
I figured that worst case I upgraded sooner than planned, but now have a future-proof PSU.
And best case I saved some pretty expensive hardware from getting fried.

I am going to spend the evening rewiring. I hope there are no more pop sounds, because then I am going to be slightly annoyed :)

Thanks for the advice.