Power Supply failure

**Mr Longbowman** · February 25, 2010, 12:23 PM

I would consider myself a computer hardware n00b so I am hoping the infinite wisdom of TWC could help me out.

The last couple of days I noticed a burned smell when I started my computer, I wondered were it came from but it disappeared quickly so I did not worry about it. Today my computer started up just fine but after a few hours it died, just like that and has not started since. First I assumed it was some problem with the fan so I left the computer for an hour and hoped it would cool down, no luck.

When I try to start the computer nothing happens, no sign of life. I assume it's a power supply failure but I would not trust my assumption to much ( that's why this thread exists ).

If it is the power supply would it be enough to buy a new component and install ( which would create a new series of questions ) or would it require more advanced care/buy a new computer.

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 25, 2010, 01:08 PM

If you ever you smell a "burning smell" on your computer you don't want to ignore it

That only happens when something is physically burning of course which is never a good thing with electronics.

It is almost definitely your power supply, which is a fairly easy thing to replace. I don't live in Sweden so I don't know what PC part stores you have there.

**Mr Longbowman** · February 25, 2010, 01:42 PM

I didin't know for sure were the smell came from and it was first when my computer quit I saw the connection, it could been something else aswell but to late now.

There is a PC part store in town and I am sure they got what I'm looking for, is there something special I have to look for or would any power supply do? It dosen't sound like the power supply is to important for the overall performance as long as it works but what do I know

**Spiff** · February 25, 2010, 02:08 PM

You should be good with pretty much whatever one you get - though there are some differences between models. Most come with enough standard connectors to cover your bases though so the only question is how many watts you need.

Generally you cant go wrong with something like 500, but try not to get the absolute cheapest regardless. Cheaper PSUs have a tendency to either be annoyingly noisy or generally less reliable.

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 25, 2010, 02:09 PM

What processor and graphics card do you have? (If you don't know hit: windows key+r then type in dxdiag ,on that page you will find you processor, then click the display tab to find your graphics card) You need a power supply that can meet their power requirements.

Otherwise you can look inside your case and see if the power supply tells you how many watts it is.

Never buy the cheapest power supply you can find, some cheap ones can on occasion burn up and or damage other equipment on your PC. Brands like Corsair, OCZ, and Antec are very good quality.

**Mr Longbowman** · February 26, 2010, 01:29 PM

Installed it and everything is fine, I was scared after restarting because I smelled a burned smell but it was my girlfriend making toast so no worries

Rep for everyone!

Oh and a question not related to the topic at all but I got a old hard drive I'd like to plug into my computer, however my case only seems to allow one, can I fit a second hard drive inside somehow?

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 26, 2010, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Longbowman

I was scared after restarting it because I smelled a burned smell but it was my girlfriend making toasts

Most cases, including prebuilts, have an extra HDD slot... I suppose you could hook it up and just set it on the bottom of the case, although that is far from ideal.

**Spiff** · February 26, 2010, 03:43 PM

I cant really believe your case only has room for one hard drive.. unless its seriously small. Either way you could just let it sit in the case but that isn't really ideal since these things tend to be rather delicate and vibrate when in use, which can presumably cause damage if not properly secured.

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 26, 2010, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

Most cases, including prebuilts, have an extra HDD slot...

Originally Posted by Spiff

I cant really believe your case only has room for one hard drive..

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

you could hook it up and just set it on the bottom of the case

Originally Posted by Spiff

you could just let it sit in the case

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

although that is far from ideal.

Originally Posted by Spiff

but that isn't really ideal

I swear your like my echo

**Spiff** · February 27, 2010, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

I swear your like my echo

Well I explained why its less than ideal, but sorry regardless I tend to only really pay attention to the thread author in basement threads.

**Capt. Fozdike** · February 26, 2010, 09:23 PM

It would seem that it's your power supply. Is it a cheap one? I'd suggest getting a good PSU because having a dodgy PSU can fry every part in your PC (I've had that happen)
What is the rest of your hardware?

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 26, 2010, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Capt. Fozdike

It would seem that it's your power supply. Is it a cheap one? I'd suggest getting a good PSU because having a dodgy PSU can fry every part in your PC (I've had that happen)
What is the rest of your hardware?

Read post #6

**Capt. Fozdike** · February 26, 2010, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

Read post #6

I miss out on rep

Anyway, you should be able to mount an extra HDD. Perhaps it is a Mini-Case or something like a flapply..er.. floppy disk drive is using it. There should be at least 2 HDD slots in every case unless you have got a Mini-Case

**Mr Longbowman** · February 28, 2010, 11:08 AM

I looked as closely as I can and have not found a second HDD slot, the original power supply did not have any additional chords that could be used to plug in a new HDD so I assume my case only allows one which is a shame.