Troubleshooting Power Supply Issues: A Personal Experience

Recently, I found myself navigating the frustrating world of computer hardware troubles, specifically with power supplies. I recently upgraded my setup, which includes an MSI B450M motherboard, a Ryzen 5 3600X CPU, a GTX 1080 graphics card, and 16 GB of 3600 Hz RAM. After a previous power supply began emitting a strange hot glue smell shortly before it failed, I decided it was time for a replacement.

Initially, my old power supply was a Corsair CX 600—an 80 Bronze, 600-watt unit. Given its age (around 3-4 years) and usage in a pre-built system, I thought the odor was a natural sign of aging, as power supplies usually last about five years. However, I was concerned it might have been struggling under the weight of the newer components I had recently installed, so I made the decision to upgrade to a higher capacity power supply: a 750-watt, 80 Gold model, hoping this would adequately support my demanding system.

Regrettably, shortly after installation, I encountered a familiar issue—the same hot glue smell returned. This left me feeling anxious about the longevity of my components. Thankfully, my computer and home remained unharmed, a small relief in a potentially troubling situation. While I have a warranty for the new power supply, I genuinely hope to avoid needing it.

In addition to this power supply predicament, my system has been displaying some other quirks. My Windows OS has required repairs every time I boot the computer. Oh, and while connecting the 24-pin power connector, I accidentally bent one of the pins, but fortunately, I managed to straighten it back into shape before completing the installation.

As a novice in the realm of computer building, I realized I may have contributed to these issues unknowingly. I had connected my new power supply to a surge protector that couldn’t provide sufficient power, which might explain some of the problems I’ve been encountering.

Navigating the complexities of PC hardware can be daunting, especially for newcomers. If anyone has experienced similar issues or can offer advice on ensuring components work harmoniously, your insight would be greatly appreciated!