Possible PSU problem

[Titleist]

Hello folks.

I have recently rebuilt a PC which had a dead mobo and PSU.

It's a P4 2.8 ghz and I used an Asrock P4i65G mobo which I got from Aria, along with a 300W PSU.

After some teething hassles it's working fine except for one issue - the PSU fan kicks in as soon as it is plugged in, and will not stop until the plug is pulled.

The PC will start via the front case switch, and windows will shut down normally, but the PSU fan will not stop.

I have looked into windows power management, I've scrutinised the bios and found nothing relating to it, I've reset the bios to optimal defaults, I've cleared the CMOS yet still it persists.

I've Googled it and the most common causes are a dodgy mobo or PSU, so I guess I'll have to try a new PSU, but it all seems a little odd as it is brand new.

If anyone has any pointers I'd be most grateful as it's so lovely and quick to boot and I'm itching to get it going.

Here's a link to the spec: http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/3315.htm , obviously the mobo is now the Asrock listed above , link to mobo: http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=P4i65G.

Ben

EDIT: This may seem a daft question, but is there any chance this mobo needs a PSU with it's own on/off switch?! Because if the one I have now did, it would (kinda) solve the problem!

[Aaron]

whats the PSU you used in the build?

[Titleist]

Hello mate, thanks for replying.

It's a 300W 'winpower' generic one from Aria.

I did consult a mate who knows his stuff who said it should be fine, plus the original one put in there by Advent was a 250W, but my reading suggests it may not be enough....

[mac124]

A \"generic\" 300watt psu is going to be feeble at best and a timebomb at worst just waiting to nuke the rest of your system, regardless of what the fault is with your sustem i would recommend spending £30 on a branded psu of around 400 watts, this will allow some scope for future upgrades and will probably fix your current issue.

[Titleist]

Thanks for the pointers.

I've just ordered a 400W generic one which should be here tomorrow so I'll see if it solves the current issue. Shame your reply wasn't a little earlier as I'd have taken your advice had I known. Ah well.

What is the deal with generic PSUs exactly? Just poorer quality in general?

I'm also a bit puzzled as to why the PSU installed by the manufacturer (advent) was only a 250W ( I used it as a guideline)... it's a Bestec, which looks pretty cheapish to me..... it's probably why the machine died in the first place, from what you've said.

Tut tut advent!

[mac124]

Most \"generic\" psu's probably wont have the extras like over voltage and over current protection so if the worst does happen and it fails it could put any voltage anywhere resulting in a nuked pc.

The psu is arguably one of THE most important components and often the most overlooked.

[Titleist]

I getcha.

Thanks mate.

If it gets it working I'll have learned something and may well replace it with a better PSU in the future and keep the generic one as a spare.

Cheers.