Faulty PSU ?
Faulty PSU ?
My EVGA 500 BR PSU is only five months old. My PC has been shutting down and restarting repeatedly over the past month, with kernel power 41 (63) events appearing in Event Viewer. Initially, it seemed the issue might be with the PSU, so I performed tests using memtest and OCCT, then reset any changes and restored the BIOS to its default settings. Recently, the PC shut down again unexpectedly. This time, when I tried to power it on through another outlet on the adapter, I heard popping sounds and immediately unplugged it out of concern. Am I certain it’s the PSU? Could this have caused damage to other components?
Specs:
PSU: EVGA 500 BR
CPU: i3 9100f
RAM: 16GB
GPU: RX 570 4GB
2 fans
1 SSD, 1 HDD
The only typical noises I've noticed from motherboards come from the optional loudspeaker that emits BIOS beep codes and minor high-speed fans on chipsets and M.2 drives.
this is a very low quality unit.
it wouldn't surprise me at all that it has just failed while pushing this system.
the possibility that it also could've damaged connected components is always there.
but, you'd have to connect them to known working unit to verify for sure.
Your PSU comes with a 3-year warranty, which doesn't necessarily mean it's a high-quality unit. Higher-end power supplies typically offer longer warranties, around 7/10 or 12 years. The only reliable way to confirm if a PSU is faulty is by replacing it with a known good one that meets the required specifications. If the original PSU was defective, it's unlikely to have caused any damage. You could borrow a replacement for testing if possible. Ideally, return it; otherwise, start the RMA process for a new unit.
I know it's a lower grade unit, with very few good PC parts available locally and those would be expensive compared to what you'd pay abroad.
Before purchasing, I checked it on the PSU tier list to see its ranking—ranked at C, though listed in the 'speculative' category, which indicates low ripple on the single 12V rail, good efficiency, and adequate protection. This should have been sufficient for my basic setup, which I mainly use for studying and light gaming without heavy overclocking.
I just wanted to confirm it was definitely the failing PSU before starting the RMA process, as I can't return it to my original location.
There is no certainty, except by using something reliable—either borrowed or bought. Even fresh items can go wrong.
EVGA BR units are budget options but remain safe and reliable, which is unexpected. They should handle a system of this quality without issues. What exactly are you referring to? Which computer was connected? Please wait—there’s no way to determine the damage unless you replace the power supply. Check EVGA for warranty; their support is usually very helpful.
The power adapter/outlet which is plugged into the wall that allows me to connect monitor, PC & charger together, etc, is what I meant. The adapter/wall itself is fine, monitor & charger are working fine.
Yes, I haven't plugged it in since, I managed to immediately unplug it as soon as I heard popping noises to hopefully avoid any damages.
I thought so too about the PSU, it says it's tier C ('speculative') on the tierlist, it came from EVGA which I know is good when it comes to warranty and it should've been fine to run my low-end PC, far from unsafe.
I managed to contact the local supplier & I'll be initiating an RMA soon.
The PSU is functioning properly and there are no shutdowns during testing. There are no visible burn marks on either the PSU or the motherboard. For more precise checking, you might want to look at specific areas where burns could occur. The issue seems related to the motherboard as well, so consider re-installing the PSU and trying to power on the PC to see if that resolves the problem.
Visible burn marks are uncommon and typically appear only when excessive currents pass through a %V or 12V supply during a short circuit. The faults I've encountered in computers are usually undetectable to the naked eye. You shouldn't expect to see any burn marks on components that are no longer functioning.
When I connect an ATX PSU to a wall outlet and switch the rear panel to On, I hear normal popping sounds. These are caused by brief high current spikes—lasting only milliseconds—reaching up to 100A from the AC mains as the 420V DC bulk capacitor charges.
If I plug a damaged or dead PSU into the mains, I notice abnormal popping noises or even louder bangs. It's best not to risk damaging your PC; you might end up destroying it. Over time, you'll learn to distinguish these sounds.
Dispose of your PSU responsibly in the trash or at a recycling center, and replace it with a new one.