F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Did I ruin this PSU.

Did I ruin this PSU.

Did I ruin this PSU.

C
chazbatmister
Junior Member
Find
4
06-18-2025, 07:26 PM
#1
I own a used Dell 3020 SFF PC with no prior knowledge of its history. It's used but extremely clean, showing almost no signs of use. A friend provided me with an old xfx-one low profile HD 5450 GPU that wasn't fan cooled, and decided to install it in the 3020. The unit comes with a standard 255W PSU.

I put the GPU in to test its functionality and also ran some system diagnostics, attempting to resolve the non-recognized HDD issue. The GPU appeared to work properly, but the HDD problem remained unsolved (related to another forum). After running diagnostics for about 30-35 minutes without any changes, I tried using the system repair CD, but it failed. Eventually, after letting the PC sit for around 30-35 minutes with no activity except diagnostics, I noticed a strong plastic smell coming from the PSU.

During that period, aside from the existing HDD issue, there were no other problems such as screen flashes. I didn’t heavily stress the system. I opened the PSU and found a noticeable dust particle stuck halfway inside. After inspecting everything carefully—checking for swollen capacitors or burn marks—I removed the dust and concluded the job was complete. About an hour ago, I reinstalled the PSU and started it up using the onboard video after removing the GPU. I ran diagnostics for roughly 10 minutes with no screen issues, but the smell persisted.

I’m curious if pushing the PSU too hard during testing and diagnostics might have contributed to the problem.
Reply
Reply
C
chazbatmister
06-18-2025, 07:26 PM #1

I own a used Dell 3020 SFF PC with no prior knowledge of its history. It's used but extremely clean, showing almost no signs of use. A friend provided me with an old xfx-one low profile HD 5450 GPU that wasn't fan cooled, and decided to install it in the 3020. The unit comes with a standard 255W PSU.

I put the GPU in to test its functionality and also ran some system diagnostics, attempting to resolve the non-recognized HDD issue. The GPU appeared to work properly, but the HDD problem remained unsolved (related to another forum). After running diagnostics for about 30-35 minutes without any changes, I tried using the system repair CD, but it failed. Eventually, after letting the PC sit for around 30-35 minutes with no activity except diagnostics, I noticed a strong plastic smell coming from the PSU.

During that period, aside from the existing HDD issue, there were no other problems such as screen flashes. I didn’t heavily stress the system. I opened the PSU and found a noticeable dust particle stuck halfway inside. After inspecting everything carefully—checking for swollen capacitors or burn marks—I removed the dust and concluded the job was complete. About an hour ago, I reinstalled the PSU and started it up using the onboard video after removing the GPU. I ran diagnostics for roughly 10 minutes with no screen issues, but the smell persisted.

I’m curious if pushing the PSU too hard during testing and diagnostics might have contributed to the problem.

Reply
Reply
R
Raganor
Member
Find
54
06-18-2025, 08:52 PM
#2
I searched for information about the XFX 5450. The first link provided had some issues. The power supply unit wasn't sufficient, and it shouldn't have been opened or "repaired/cleaned" in any way. PSUs aren't designed to be fixed, and such attempts often lead to problems. As in your case, I suggest choosing a properly sized PSU that matches the Dell 3020 and the new GPU specifications. For guidance, refer to the calculators at: If the component lists a range of wattages, select the highest value. It's unclear whether any system parts were affected.
Reply
Reply
R
Raganor
06-18-2025, 08:52 PM #2

I searched for information about the XFX 5450. The first link provided had some issues. The power supply unit wasn't sufficient, and it shouldn't have been opened or "repaired/cleaned" in any way. PSUs aren't designed to be fixed, and such attempts often lead to problems. As in your case, I suggest choosing a properly sized PSU that matches the Dell 3020 and the new GPU specifications. For guidance, refer to the calculators at: If the component lists a range of wattages, select the highest value. It's unclear whether any system parts were affected.

Reply
Reply