Question PSU Exploded - Assistance Required to Determine the Reason
Question PSU Exploded - Assistance Required to Determine the Reason
Hi,
I experienced two unfortunate events where two different PSUs in my HTPC failed within a year. My setup uses a vertical PSU with an extension cable for AC power. I’m unsure if this arrangement contributed to both failures. Here’s the top view photo of the case:
They exploded shortly after I turned on the PC. It looks like the PSU was involved, as I noticed sparks from its position (and some smoke from the first incident). I’ve inspected other parts and found nothing damaged, though I haven’t restarted it yet because I don’t have a spare PSU.
The case model is Cube Gaming Axel, mesh version. The PSUs are Seasonic S12II 430w and Enermax Naxn 500w. Both are non-modular, so I had to adjust the cables on the opposite side to fit them.
What’s likely causing these explosions? Besides replacing the PSU, should I also consider a different case?
Thanks in advance.
Two different power supplies in my HTPC failed within under a year. It would be helpful to provide the full specifications for each unit, including their age and what they were used for before they stopped working. I had to adjust the cables on the opposite side to fit them properly. Images showing the bending might also be useful.
system components and bending PSU cables may not effectively relieve pressure on the inner connector. Consider using a better case or modular PSU. Also, inspect the extension cable and outlet for wiring issues.
Check if the motherboard stand-offs are placed correctly and if cable extensions were applied.
Here are the details you provided.
The system features a Core i3 10105F processor, an MSI B560M-A PRO motherboard, Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 RAM in two 8GB modules, a Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB paired with two 4GB WDC Red drives, an AMD RX 550 graphics card, a Seasonic S12II 430W power supply and an Enermax Naxn 500W power supply.
The chassis is a Cube Gaming Axel, running Windows 11. The display includes a standard LG 23-inch monitor and a Sony Bravia 55-inch TV.
Two PSUs were used across different machines for at least two years under regular conditions, with usage not exceeding three years. The Enermax 500W unit previously supported a Ryzen 1700 and GTX 1070 for a brief period before being replaced.
For cooling, an Arctic P12 was installed on the intake side and on the exhaust side of the case.
Temperatures were typically between 40-50°C during the last incident, with minimal activity.
Except for the AC cable extension from the case, only a standard power strip was used; the motherboard standoffs are correct, wiring appears properly grounded, and the case is mostly metal—no noticeable electrical current when touching metal parts.
I would remove everything from the case and put it on a table before attempting a new PSU.