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Power supply overheating

meinzorn

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Nov 12, 2003
Messages
1,327
I believe that my power supply is overheating causing my computer to shut down. It is an antec PSU Trupower 480watt..

The computer will run fine if it isn't put under much pressure but if i start to play a video or do anything that isn't just browsing the web it will shut down, and not restart for a while. If I feel the back of the power supply it feels pretty hot to touch, Hotter than what seems normal.

My question is, How can I test to see if the power supply is what is over heating without just buying a new one and then not needing it in the long run?
 
It's a damn high chance the PSU is the problem:
The Truepower I and II series as well as the Smartpower series were well known for their above average death rates due to a poor choice in caps and cooling design. In more specific terms, Antec/CWT specified/used caps (Fuhjyyu caps) that did not respond well to heat. Unfortunately, Antec made the decision to have the PSU fan only ramp at really high temps in an effort to keep the PSU quiet. However, just medium to high temps were enough to screw up the caps so really high temps were murderous. Over time, this degraded the quality and performance of those PSU series.

So I recommend replacing the PSU, especially if you hear a squeal, whine, or any odd noise coming from the PSU. Those are usually the first signs of those particular PSU lines dying. However, do note that the Truepower I and II series as well as the Smartpower series had a three year warranty. So if you do hear a squeal, whine, or any odd noise, that's enough grounds to RMA the PSU.

[Testing the PSU]
Buy and use a digital multi-meter to monitor the voltages coming from the PSU. Follow the instructions for "Using a multi-meter to check voltages":
http://www.bfgpower.com/troubleshooting.html#DMM
 
Change out the fan, and becareful when you do so. If getting a new PSU is an option, then i'd take that road.
 
Change out the fan, and becareful when you do so. If getting a new PSU is an option, then i'd take that road.
A new fan is most likely not going to help at all. Go with Danny's suggestion.
 
i had a Antec Quattro 850 that kept shutting down on me when i stresset it with my SLI set up, i ended up replacing it and everything went back to normal. My PSU was hot (or at least VERY warm) when it shut down. My PSU was about 3 years old by the way.

How old if your PSU?
 
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