Powersource is starting to smell like burned plastic

[Roland Deschain]

Well, the title says it all. I opened the powersource and saw that the fan is has a lot of friction when turning. The smell usually starts when I'm doing something computer intesive.

Now, can I just replace the fan of the powersource. I'm quite handy with electronics, so the little bit of saudering wouldn't put me off. Or am I better off with just buying a new powersource.

Can also somebody direct me to what kind of fan I need, preferably on a Canadian website (like canada computers). Also, if I should buy a new powersupply, what is a good one (considering I have a medium range 9800 computer). Thanks for all the help.

 

[Barney Fife]

PSU are relatively cheaper nowadays (though they don't last as long) but you wouldn't want to plug something YOU! fixed into your precious PC now, would ya?

Go out there and spend $50.00 for a new, quieter, shinier, with some nasty bling-bling, you'd enjoy that now , wouldn't ya?

I think, the second option is as sweet as it is convenient. Take my word for it "You don't want to mess with PSU" Just trust me on this.

PSU have nasty ways of saying "Good Bye" they usually leave with the big-bang and take few (OK A Lot) of components with them, including MB and V-Card. So if you smelled something, or heard something, take it as a warning. Lot's of people didn't get the luxury of PSU warnings. They mostly got (Lights Out and a dead PC)

Good Luck.

 

[hungryduck]

yea, when PSU's die, then like to take whatever they can down with them.
I lost a video card and mobo to a PSU that decided to blow up one day....

 

[WhiteZero]

One of my families first computers had a PSU fry out like that.

 

[Arrowhead]

The best thing to do is to make sure you get an amply large PSU to begin with. nowadays, I personally wouldn't settle for anything less than 500W. PSUs don't just fry because they feel like it. they fry when they overheat because they are being overloaded by the demands of today's computers.

If your PSU is just borderline adequate, then it's going to overheat rather quickly.

To save your current PSU, try disconnecting anything in your computer that comsumes power which you don't need (ie, extra drives, fancy lights, etc).

 

[Chris D]

It's never advisable to open them up and try to fix them yourself. Even if it's not plugged in, one wrong move and you'll electrocute yourself.

As everyone says, they're so cheap so just buy a new one and get it done that way.

Most damage I've seen is PSU, taking the motherboard, taking a stick of RAM, AGP card and hard drive :|