Topic: Happy New Year!! WHATS THAT SMELL!!!!!!!

[NJAntman]

Appears that my sons PC burned its power supply justy short of the new year. Anyone of you techies know a good trick to prove/disprove the power supply is the culprit? It was running and then we noticed an acris smell and it was without power. The wall outlet still works, but cycling the power buton does diddly. Its an easy access Coolmaster case so I removed the side panel and have access to the power supply and cables.

Can I plug something specific into the extra connectors, such as a fan, to test if it is passing power through from the wall outlet?

[manitoba1073]

unless u have a ps tester the only way would be take it out and put it in another system to check.

[Javora]

Normally I wouldn't suggest putting the power supply into a working system as a bad power supply can kill a working system.  Most PC hard ware stores and PC repair shops will test a power supply for no cost.  I'd give that a shot, hope this helps.

[Strat]

Ok, this may sound like a dumb suggestion but...

If the smell is strong enough, and electrical.. sometimes those scents linger.

Just take it apart, and separate the pieces. It should be pretty each to 'smell' a detached power supply vs the other parts to follow the smell.

The real problem is there is always a *chance* that when a power supply blows it can damage other internal parts.

[manitoba1073]

Normally I wouldn't suggest putting the power supply into a working system as a bad power supply can kill a working system.  Most PC hard ware stores and PC repair shops will test a power supply for no cost.  I'd give that a shot, hope this helps.

 Niether would I usually. However he alrdy said it wasnt showing any signs of life.

[NJAntman]

OMG! Check out what the company tech support reply linked me to.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=10546


Seriously, a paperclip!? 

[Vipre]

A jumper by any other name...

[Nemesis]

Have you checked the power supply fuse?

[NJAntman]

Just got back from vacation. Time to roll up sleeves and tackle this.

This is a generic 600w power supply. Are the fuses usually out in the open?

[Nemesis]

Some are in a housing that you unscrew.  Others are right inside the power supply (they don't expect you to change those ones but you may be able to).
 

Warning!

Even when they have been unplugged for some time a power supply can hold quite a jolt so be very very careful if you do open it up.  Let it sit unplugged for 24 hours to maximize your safety if you do choose to open it up. 

Warning!

[Javora]

Some are in a housing that you unscrew.  Others are right inside the power supply (they don't expect you to change those ones but you may be able to).
 

Warning!

Even when they have been unplugged for some time a power supply can hold quite a jolt so be very very careful if you do open it up.  Let it sit unplugged for 24 hours to maximize your safety if you do choose to open it up. 

Warning!

I wouldn't do that.  In actuality I wouldn't even recommend opening the power supply up unless you have some type of electrical background.  However if you do plan on cracking the power supply open, try this instead:

1.  Unplug the power supply from the electrical outlet but leave the power supply installed in the computer for now.
2.  Unplug all other components that independently draw electricity.  This way the computer has no electric power going to it what so ever.  This includes but not limited to the monitor, speaker system, cable/DSL/router modem, and any USB components that draw it's own power.
3.  Press and hold the power button and slowly count to 10, then release.
4.  Remove the power supply and open it up at your own risk.

Hope this helps.  Please stay safe.