Generic PSU

[wonderlust]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll177/teddyformandy/IMAGE_253.jpg

Do you think it's dead :D:chairfall::rofl:

For those contemplating using a generic PSU this was a 350w (allegedly) twin 12V rails 10a and 13a (276w on the 12V rail) it killed a motherboard, Socket A.

I can't tell if the chip (sempronXP 2800) is ok as I don't have anything socket A to test it with, yet to test the ram.

but the HDDs and optical drives and GPU (GF2Ultra) seem to have survived.

[Methanoid]

i hope you entered the new compo to win a 850W XFX PSU ;)

[wonderlust]

I did, but it won't make a difference, the PSU in the OP isnt mine :D

Just one in a PC I was asked to fix.

The mainboard, Asrock K7VT4A PRO displays the power LED but that is it. Weird thing is no drives/fans power up :confused: but if I fire the replacement PSU with a PSU tester all the fans/drives work :confused:

It's almost as if the motherboard is switching the lower voltages but not the 12v :surprised:

[iNoXiouZ]

This is why I'd never use a no name/generic PSU, can easily take out other components : /

Going for Corsair next :)

[RDRUNR]

Hate to be a devil's advocate here but (knock on wood) my no-name L&C 400w has been going strong for 6 years now and I've used it 14 hours a day, 7 days a week...

But I'll try the Corsair next just to try it out.

[Tolmandary]

Hmm, the soot residue and exploded casing don't look promising. I learnt many years ago to ensure that the PSU in my machine was the highest quality I could get. Why skimp on the heart of the machine only to have it shorten the life of other components or as above use native American signaling methods to tell you something is wrong! Now using an Antec CP-850, which is quite a bit larger than a standard ATX so only fits in some Antec cases like the 900 and 1200 series.

[wonderlust]

I learned some time ago after loosing a Voodoo1 everything else was under warranty. So was the Vodoo1 but the shop went broke whilst they had my card for rma :(

Since then I have only used quality PSUs in my PCs.

This was in a PC I was asked to fix...

Still waiting for a Fleabay delivery for replacement board and chip....

[RDRUNR]

I learned some time ago after loosing a Voodoo1 everything else was under warranty. So was the Vodoo1 but the shop went broke whilst they had my card for rma :(

Since then I have only used quality PSUs in my PCs.

This was in a PC I was asked to fix...

Still waiting for a Fleabay delivery for replacement board and chip....

Experience can be the greatest teacher of them all. Although learning from another mistakes is cheaper. :D

[NickCPC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTVEtr14FEA&fmt=18

Stick with branded PSUs :D I'd never buy a generic one, especially after reading about the number of failed ones in the CPC PSU labs tests.

[Ice Tea]

Nice Vid

Wonder if the camera shake was him being scared of the bang :D

[waba]

:/ ok i just got linked to this thread when asking about my generic psu...am a bit worried now....

[wonderlust]

If you have some spare funds I would suggest one of these

39205

[waba]

would that be enough to run my system wonderlust? i know i dont have an amazingly powerful system (Asus m2n..., athlon X2 6000+, Sapphire 4770) but i remember having problems withs that wattage with with my gfx card before....

[wonderlust]

imho yes it would be ample.

I have been testing my systems with an energy monitor and PC1 in my sig never goes over 310w so I wouldn't imagine yours would either.

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20671&highlight=energy

But I am sure the PSU experts will give more informed advice.

[waba]

thanks wonderlust, i bought the psu in the first place cos my 300W generic one wasnt enough to run the card.... so i would only need over 400W on a good psu if i was overclocking or running 2gfx cards etc?

[wonderlust]

i went for a Corsair HX750W for 4 reasons

1. modular
2. Very high efficiency (tested upto 80+ gold but sold as Silver)
3. 7 year warranty
4. loads of overhead for future use

[waba]

ahhhh ok...seeing as im not stressing the system at all at the moment, il leave it for a bit til i get som money...but then i guess my next upgrade should be a PSU then

[wonderlust]

might be the best answer.

[Faz]

Basically all PSU's are made in the same place apart from Corsair, so it's a lucky dip! Corsair you will always be ok, cos of warranty and great quality, others, some you are lucky, some you aren't!

[wonderlust]

Corsair models are made by different people some are CWT (My HX750W is ) some are Seasonic

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/How-to-Discover-Your-Power-Supply-Real-Manufacturer/370/1

[Pullen]

This is a noob question, but what is a generic PSU?

[wonderlust]

Generic = non branded or not a recognisable brand

[Iaink]

ie. high wattage and low price

[wonderlust]

And often very very light

[Smifis]

I would actually just fix that and go through all of the joints.

what i've found is it's mainly the soldering which is very dodgy.

[chrissyburns1]

:weeee I have corsair so I have nothing to worry about :D