New PSU: Loud Pop, Sparked, and Dead, what happened?

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What Happened to My New PSU? Insights After a Scary Experience

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!

I recently faced a rather alarming incident with my computer’s power supply unit (PSU) that I feel compelled to share. As my trusty 1200W PSU began to show signs of age, I decided it was time for a replacement. However, in my quest to save some money, I ordered a 1000W PSU from an unfamiliar brand. Spoiler alert: it did not end well.

Upon receiving the new PSU, I swiftly installed it and logged into Windows, only to be greeted by a loud pop and a flash of sparks escaping from the unit. In an instant, my computer powered down, and I promptly unplugged everything. To make matters worse, my surge protector took a hit and is now out of commission. Thankfully, I was able to revert back to my old PSU, which is still functioning, but I’m left with a fried surge protector and a lot of questions.

Reflecting on this experience, I want to delve into what might have gone wrong. Here are several possibilities I’ve come up with:

  1. Brand Reputation: Could the no-name brand PSU be the culprit? I found limited reviews and information about this manufacturer, which made it a gamble to choose their product.

  2. Wattage Difference: Was switching from a 1200W to a 1000W PSU a mistake? Despite the fact that my system shouldn’t have demanded too much power, I’m wondering if not having that extra headroom contributed to the failure.

  3. Cable Configuration: My previous PSU utilized two separate 8-pin PCI-E cables for my GPU. The new PSU came with a single cable that had two 8-pin connectors. Would this wiring change have caused an overload or malfunction?

  4. Molex Connection: I encountered a shortage of Molex cables for my sound card (an Asus Xonar Essence STX), which led me to leave the single Molex cable connected to the motherboard rather than using it. Could this have introduced an issue?

  5. Fan Connector: I also forgot to switch the pin connector for the fan attached to the CPU FAN header on my motherboard. Could this oversight have had any impact?

In light of this experience, I’m on the hunt for a reliable 1200W PSU that won’t let me down—or explode, for that matter! If anyone

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One Comment

  1. Dear user,

    I’m sorry to hear about your PSU incident. Based on your description, there are several factors that could have contributed to the failure:

    • Brand Reliability: Choosing a reputable manufacturer is crucial. Less-known brands may not adhere to the same quality standards, increasing the risk of failure or safety hazards.
    • Wattage Compatibility: While your system might not demand maximum wattage, power supplies need adequate headroom and quality components to handle transient loads safely. Using a lower-quality PSU, especially from an unknown brand, can cause instability.
    • Cable Configurations and Connectors: Using a single cable for multiple PCI-E connectors is generally acceptable if the power supply design supports it, but ensure the cables and PSU’s specifications match. Incompatibility or improper wiring can cause overloads.
    • Molex Connections: Leaving unused Molex connectors disconnected shouldn’t cause issues unless there’s a short or miswiring. Ensure all cables are correctly wired and insulated.
    • Fan Header Connection: Incorrect pin connections on the CPU fan header may affect motherboard operation or fan control but are unlikely to cause PSU failure directly. However, verifying correct connections is always best.

      • **Recommendations:**

    • Use power supplies from reputable brands like Corsair, Seasonic, EV
    Reply

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