The PC isn't powering on, and you're hearing a buzzing or sparking noise close to the power supply unit.
The PC isn't powering on, and you're hearing a buzzing or sparking noise close to the power supply unit.
I don't believe it's bulging that way. Look at the photos I shared and see if you notice anything. It seems the plastic coating is fading at the edges, but it's unclear if the center is affected. Should I still purchase a new power supply because it's six years old and dusty? What should be my next action?
I would just purchase a replacement. Honestly, your existing unit is one of the lowest quality PSUs ever made by a major company, making it quite disappointing right out of the box, especially after six years and filled with dust. Even if you were to fix it, it wouldn't be worth it.
Our office recently received 10 new systems, each equipped with Masterwatt power supplies. The 500w units seemed to be functioning properly at first. However, within two weeks, two units stopped working completely, and three more began producing unusual sounds. All ten were eventually replaced by the vendor.
It depends on the parts of your computer. A decent PSU for an office setup can be found for about $50, but those needing extra power for a GPU usually cost $90 or more now.
There are several challenges when trying to assess a PSU's performance beyond major problems. It's highly likely you've experienced unstable voltage and significant electronic noise affecting your components over the past six years. It's similar to evaluating someone's heart health by just looking at a photo.
However, you don't require a high-end PSU for this setup. Devices like EVGA BR or Corsair CV would suffice for a system of this type, provided you don't intend to upgrade the graphics card.
Thanks! Those PSUs are a good deal, and I plan to consider buying one soon. I also noticed the EVGA GQ looks decent, though I'm still unsure. What steps should I take to ensure a PSU fits my system? Also, if the issue isn't related to the PSU itself, could another problem potentially harm the new PSU, or is that acceptable?
The GQ performs adequately. It wouldn't be suitable for a high-end GPU, yet it exceeds what you need for your setup. Power supplies are generally common, and unless you're using unconventional modular connections—something not relevant here—it's unlikely to cause issues. Another concern is minimal risk of harming a fresh PSU, as PSUs typically cause damage rather than being damaged themselves.