Understanding Power Supply Compatibility Issues: Troubleshooting SSD Boot Failures with a New PSU
When upgrading or replacing essential components in a desktop computer, encountering unexpected issues can be confusing—and challenging, especially if you’re familiar with software but less so with hardware. One common problem involves new power supply units (PSUs) that seem to cause boot failures when certain peripherals like SSDs are connected. This article explores such a scenario in detail and offers guidance on how to diagnose and resolve these issues.
Case Study Overview
A user with a Windows 10 desktop, featuring a relatively high-specification setup—including an MSI B450 Tomahawk motherboard, a Radeon RX 580 GPU, 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, and Samsung’s 990 PRO SSD—experienced persistent boot problems after replacing their PSU. Here are the key details:
System Components:
– Motherboard: MSI B450 Tomahawk
– Graphics Card: Radeon RX 580 ARMOR 8G OC
– RAM: 32 GB DDR4
– Storage Devices:
– Samsung 990 PRO SSD (connected to motherboard)
– Lexar 2TB SSD (separate drive)
– Power Supplies:
– Old PSU: Corsair RM650X (used but not faulty)
– New PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 750W (brand new)
The Issue:
– The new PSU, despite being brand new and unused in this machine, prevents the system from booting when the Lexar SSD is connected.
– When the user presses the power button, the system either remains off or experiences a brief flicker of power before shutting down instantly.
– Conversely, with the old PSU, the same SSD setup allows the system to boot normally, albeit with concerns about its prior faults.
Background & History:
The PC was acquired after a friend’s upgrade and operated effectively for about a year, then developed intermittent shutdown issues during high loads—such as gaming or intensive rendering. Initially suspected to be PSU-related, the user replaced the PSU, but the problems persisted, now manifesting as the inability to power on with the new unit installed, especially when the secondary SSD was connected.
Analysis & Troubleshooting Steps
- Assess the Symptoms:
The new PSU’s failure to allow booting with the SSD connected suggests a possible power delivery issue, compatibility problem, or faulty unit. The fact that the system boots with the old PSU—even if it’s marginally faulty—is an
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