Your computer is experiencing issues with failing power supply units, but the exact cause isn't clear to me.
Your computer is experiencing issues with failing power supply units, but the exact cause isn't clear to me.
It began about a week ago with intermittent signal loss between my PC and monitor. A VGA error appeared on my motherboard, and reseating the GPU resolved it, so I kept using the machine. After that, a few days later my PSU failed suddenly, making a loud pop and leaving a burning plastic odor. Since the PSU was very old, I replaced it and it again exploded, this time also tripping a breaker. Then I considered the GPU might be faulty and purchased another one. Before connecting it, I booted it using an older Radeon card with a 250W PSU, which also failed. Now I’m unsure what’s causing these issues. Here are my PC details:
- Dead PSU: Cooler Master RP-500-PCAP 500w
- Dead PSU: Zoko ZK600 600w
- Dead PSU: ???? 250w Motherboard (MSI H310M PRO-VD PLUS)
- CPU: Intel i5 9400f
- GPU: 1) Unknown (previously thought broken)
- GPU: 2) ASUS TUF GAMING GTX 1650 Super GPU
- GPU: 3) Ati Radeon HD 4670 DDR4 512MB
- RAM: 1) Crucial 8GB Ballistix Sport Gray DDR4 2666MHz
- RAM: 2) Crucial 8GB Ballistix Sport White 2400MHz
- RAM mismatch noted
Sorry for any grammar mistakes—I’m not fluent in English. No photos available as I’m away from home.
AC power seems like the most likely cause given the multiple failed PSUs you mentioned.
I haven’t altered anything recently before the problems came up. My initial thought is the power is getting in correctly. How sure are you about the outlet you’re using providing clean electricity? I’d suggest switching to another breaker in a different room and using a higher-quality surge protector as well. Keep that out of the equation.
No changes were made prior to the problems. The power outlet’s condition isn’t clear—I’m unsure if it works properly and might affect the room during testing. I can’t test it now since I don’t have enough PSUs left.
What a sentence. Make sure to buy a quality one, makes it more likely that it's not some sort of manufacturing defect in the PSU that causes it to blow.
It's really not worth it, those budget PSUs are a waste. If you install one on your PC, better ensure you don’t end up without a functioning machine—using flimsy unstable power supplies can lead to damage. You’re likely to risk damaging components or even cause a fire. If you have to upgrade, opt for a used Cosair; at least the capacitors won’t fail prematurely or blow everything away.