Computer Keeps Blowing PSU

[matjw_2000]

Hi All,

I have a problem with my PC blowing its ATX PSU, firstly the story behind this.

A few months ago I brought a new case for my PC it came with a 300W PSU but it only had a connector for the PC not the monitor as well and since I'm a bit short on plug sockets I decided to buy a 450W PSU with both sockets. It worked great for about 2 weeks then suddenly whilst I was writing something the computer shutdown and wouldn't restart. So to test that the motherboard wasn't shot I put back the original PSU It worked fine. So I went back to the shop and got a replacement of a differenct brand hoping it was just a bad batch. Again It blew the PSU but this time within 24hours. So again I have taken it back and got another. But I don't understand the problem the original PSU never blows but as soon as I put in another one they blow.

Pls Help.

My System:

Processor: AMD XP 2800+
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-7VT600 1394
Graphics Card: Nvidia Geforce FX 5600 XT
Memory: 512Mb DDR 333
Hard Drive(s) 1 x 120 Gb Seagate Drive
1 x 200 Gb Western Digital Drive
PCI Cards: Hauppauge WinTV Theater Card
U.S. Robotics WiFi Card
Drive(s) 1 x CDR/W
1 x DVD Rom

Cooled by:

2 x 3.5" Fan 1 at front blowing in the other at back blowing out
1 x 3.5" Fan at the side blowing out
1 x Cooler Master Hard Drive CoolDrive
1 x Cooler Master Jet 7+ CPU HSF

Thanks in advance

[Dooin' it]

If your old one isn't giving you problems, heck, keep using it.

If you want a better new one with no question of power try this.......

http://www.dealsonic.com/rh55atxdufan1.html

[matjw_2000]

It's not so much the Wattage thats bothering me its the fact that It keeps blowing PSU's I'm thinking that something very wrong. I'm afraid that If I put in a new PSU again it will blow it again.

[Dooin' it]

Do you have your computer plugged into a surge protector??

I don't know how the motherboard could cause your psu to blow (not that it's not possible, I just don't have knowledge of a motherboard doing that to a psu). I'd suspect it's the power coming "into" the psu that's causing the problem, not the power going "out", but again I'm making assumptions.

I would just say that while it seems like a cheap & shallow solution, if your original psu isn't giving you problems, I'd just continue using that one.

[sechs]

I'd suggest getting a strip and using the power supply that came with the case (as it works).

[roley]

Some PSUs are better than others and some mobos handle power problems differently.

Be sure to get a good power board...maybe an APC board that has LEDs and some voltage regulation.

Then, you need to go over the power connectors on the mobo to make sure that they are all plugged in right (eg the ATX 12V is in right way) and then power on the system.

It should run ok.

========

If it doesn't you need to unplug power to disk drives one at a time and leave on overnight etc...to see if they are at fault.

You need to check over the mobo for cracks or leaking capacitors. Particularly if you know that there have been moments when the computer has gotten hot.

This last stage is trial and error and is a pain in the ass.

Obviously, a PSU change should be easy and hassle free as it is simple. If there are problems it is usually because the PSU is not right or the wiring somewhere along the line is playing up.

Roley
Black Frog Technologies