PC experienced one strong pop, a burning odor, yet it kept operating normally.
PC experienced one strong pop, a burning odor, yet it kept operating normally.
Playing Hitman with a RTX 3060 GPU and Corsair RM 550X PSU caused a loud pop followed by a burnt smell. The system was still functioning properly during the game, but it shut down normally after power loss, then disconnected from the power line. Mainboard components appear intact except for two parts obscured by the GPU. Both GPU and PSU caps are partially visible, but guidance is required to identify the most likely replacement part. The RTX 3060 is a second-hand used model purchased in 2022, while the Corsair RM 550X is from 2019.
All of them, including all the caps inside the PSU.... Unless you can clearly identify which one has exploded, then you would have to replace that one and ensure it didn't pop due to something else, and also confirm that the popped cap didn't damage anything else. In short, either hire a professional who will cost a lot of money, or figure out which part failed and replace just that part, hoping for the best.
I'm considering sending in a replacement for my PSU since I've found my printed invoice and the box is ready to ship. However, diagnosing the GPU might be difficult or not possible to return, as it wouldn't be easy to troubleshoot or send for repair. I'm just relieved it didn't cause a fire or malfunction while unmonitored, which could have led to a component failure. I suspect I might have purchased the Corsair PSU to swap it with my Seasonic PSU for similar reasons...
After turning on the office PC with the button, I experienced a loud bang and a flash of flames from the PSU fan—definitely impressive! The PC ran normally throughout the day, but after shutting it down, it wouldn’t power on the following day. The large primary cap inside the PSU had vented, though it still contained enough electrolyte to function until it dried out completely. I replaced the cap and the PSU continues to work properly now. I’m sharing this because if your PSU fails, you should be able to return it under the 10-year warranty easily.
Yeah, I just hope it's the PSU since it's the least expensive option to fix bar destructive cascade failures (there was repeated GPU fan high RPM during gameplay), though I'm now wondering if it was the Seasonic S12 PSU that had a previous pop or another PSU because apparently I still have the Seasonic in a box (I would think I should have replaced the popped one). I must have gone with Corsair for a PSU as they seem to have better support here over Seasonic, especially after a decade.
Nothing is completely flawless and every model has some components that might fail. If the computer continued operating, it’s likely the power supply unit and only the PSU that failed as a cap on the GPU would lead to bigger problems. A fan cap also indicates the circuit lacks a filter, which means the fan either won’t spin or spins erratically since the capacitor is responsible for smoothing.
I only noticed that the Corsair RM 550 X includes in-cable capacitors to minimize or remove ripples (a topic discussed in a techforum thread that eventually became less relevant but still useful). They don't cause the system to blow up, do they? Also, before turning off the computer, I managed to see the GPU fans through the window and they were functioning properly. I wasn't able to see the other PC fans or the CPU fan, and there was no unusual noise before or after the pop.
The intense sound and burning odor while gaming point most strongly to the power supply unit (Corsair RM 550X), particularly because it was manufactured in 2019 and its capacitors may lose effectiveness over time. Even though the motherboard covers appear intact, the GPU caps are largely concealed; however, a GPU failure typically manifests with additional signs before such a noise occurs. Stop using the PC right away to prevent more harm. Consider testing or replacing the PSU separately, as it is a frequent failure source and can affect other parts. Examine the GPU closely if damage isn’t obvious; if problems continue after the PSU is replaced, test or replace the GPU. Look for any small signs of burn marks or wear on the motherboard near the GPU area. The Corsair RM550X is usually dependable, but after more than four years, capacitor wear or sudden breakdowns can happen. Replacing the PSU first is recommended to safeguard your system.