What actions should be taken regarding your Corsair RM650x PSU?
What actions should be taken regarding your Corsair RM650x PSU?
Last night I observed a faint candle-like flicker from my pc, thinking it was just an illusion since my GPU shows RGB lightning, but then I detected a strong odor of something burnt. My computer was still functioning properly, not crashing or showing any issues, so I unplugged it, detached the power cable, and used my nose to investigate the source. However, the smell had disappeared and no visible damage was apparent. This morning I decided to restart it, and everything operated normally—PSU started with the fan running before shutting off as usual, and there was no odor or abnormal sound. Since I’ve removed the side panel, it might have been just dust or particles entering the PSU. If something inside had indeed failed, could checking each pin with a voltage meter reveal any lasting damage? The PSU is just over two years old, which means it should still be under Corsair’s warranty, but shipping would be expensive and time-consuming, so I wouldn’t bother unless I was certain it was broken. My main question is whether there are methods to detect long-term PSU damage.
Uncertain about the exact cause. It seems like dust is being expelled due to heat or an electrical arc. To prevent this in the future, clean the internal components of your PC, including the power supply unit, using compressed air (either canned air or an air compressor). However, never open the PSU directly.
I wouldn't suggest using an air compressor without a dryer attached to it. Many models lack dryers unless they're intended for painting purposes. The tanks on these compressors accumulate heat from the compressed air, which then turns into water.
The only method to verify a PSU issue is by swapping it with a verified good unit.
If you believe your PSU is faulty, reach out to Corsair for a return merchandise authorization.
Discuss your concerns with them.
They might have a process to send you a replacement and place a credit card hold on the purchase.
Upon receiving your possibly damaged PSU, the charge will be excluded.
User neglect isn't covered by the RMA. If the issue was the dust inside the PSU, it's better to replace the PSU and be more attentive moving forward.
The OP wondered if dust might be the cause.
I think this is improbable.
A bad odor isn't promising; we can't know what it was or if it posed a risk.
Occasionally, leftover solder flux burns off and emits a smell.
That's fine, otherwise who would say?
Check out Corsair's perspective.
What kind of burnt odor is this?
Electric components and metal emit a distinct scent that doesn't involve dust.
Additionally, if dust ignites, the added energy might harm other parts.
If you noticed flickering from burning, determine its source.
If it smells like electric parts are burning or melting, and it points to the PSU, I wouldn't rely on it anymore.
Any flame or spark at all?
The odor was identical to when there was a brief circuit in one of the power outlets, which was metallic in character. Regarding the flickering, it likely originated from the top of the PSU. I plan to reach out to Corsair to get their opinion. Thanks for all the responses!