Loud pop and no power

[Ruggerbugger]

My desktop tonight made it as far as the Windows logon when there was a loud pop and a loss of power. I'm assuming that the PSU has had it, but is it likely that any other components have gone as well? The laptop I'm using at the moment only works when I force down both corners (warped mobo?) so I'm looking at replacing my entire computing resources at the moment.

What I really want to know is whether it's worth replacing the PSU, or should I give up the entire system as a loss?

[Agent]

Impossible to tell without checking.

If its a decent brand though, chances are it will be ok

[Ruggerbugger]

Do you mean the PSU can be repaired? Is it worth separating it from the system and having it tested?

[StoX]

nah, if the PSU internally blew (check fuse first), it'd probably be more effective to replace it; unless of course you have someone in the trade who can check it over for you...

[Clunk]

If you are replacing the PC anyway, you could always start by just buying a decent PSU and seeing if any of the existing stuff has been fried.

[Agent]

Do you mean the PSU can be repaired? Is it worth separating it from the system and having it tested?

Not quite sure where you got that from, but thats not what I was implying

If its a decent brand it shouldnt have fried anything, thats all

[Ruggerbugger]

Thanks Agent. I did think that's what you meant. My Dad has the idea that the fuse could be replaced, but I'd imagine that's uneconomical given that it's 3 years old. Presumably I'd have to open the PSU to check the fuse condition?

[edit] the PSU is an Aerocool 450W

The mobo normally has an LED indicating power from the PSU, does the absence of this mean that the PSU is duff, or the mobo is duff? Is this an unanswerable question?

[shadowmaster]

What make is the psu?

[Kairiaku]

Just test each component separately and whatever isn't damaged or has gone kapoot, use to make another system.
or you could just replace the dodgy ones, your choice.
IMHO, most likely just replace the PSU, in all the computers I've had into my shop complaining of "a loud pop", it's just a simple power supply change

[Ruggerbugger]

My local computer shop has a 470W Thermaltake TR2 for £40. Is this a duffer or not?

[dogie]

Its not bad, but its really not that good either.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/131052

Will do you wonders.

[Ruggerbugger]

The Thermaltake Purepower 500W my local shop has looks good, and has decent reviews. I need a local supplier really.

[Pob255]

The Purepower is better than the TR2, the ToughPower is ThermalTake's best model.

Although the 470W Thermaltake TR2 will power your pc fine. (if it's the one listed in your My System)

PS Sniff the PSU, you can generally tell if it's blown by the smell.

[Ruggerbugger]

I got the Purepower yesterday and everything is up and running

In fact, I think this is better than before. I love the modular design and the PSU is virtually inaudible, I can hardly hear my system now! The old one has been out of the system four 4/5 days now, so it really doesn't smell of anything.

Is it safe to pop it open and have a look? What should I do about disposal afterwards?

[peterb]

If it hasn't been plugged in for a few days, it is safe to open up (some large capacitors internally can retain their charge for a while. It is likely that a capacitor popped anyway, which (if you have a modicum of skill and a soldering iron) could be replaced with the possibility or getting it working again. However if you are in ANY doubt about your ability, don't do it! (You are dealing with high energy circuits)

Disposal; take it to a recycling centre that accepts electronic components.

[Pob255]

Well apart from chucking the old PSU in the bin, old PSU's can be a good source for quiet fans and fan grills
Open her up and see if the fan uses a standard connector, if so pinch, it if not toss the lot.