PSU Problem

[D-ToX]

I am having prob with psu.
It is over heating when i switch of pc. the power on the pc is compleatly down. It is an atx psu. I have tried all kinds of power outlets still same prob.

It is ok when the pc is on it will not heat and comp works fine. i have an ASUS CUS L2 mobo and a p3 866 cpu. never had a prob before. just all of a sudden bang one psu died. now this is over heating. can u help [email protected]

[deseqer]

have you tried a new and different Power Supply. another thing it could be that the mainboard has gone bad which probly caused the first PS to go bad.

[MacGyver]

Sounds like the PSU is faulty, and is not shutting down properly. It sounds like the PSU is still "on," but since there's no load on it, that's probably why it's heating up. My advice - toss that POS PSU and get a new one. If you're having constant problems with your PSU's, switch to a different manufacturer. Also have the wiring in your home inspected by a qualified electrician, there may be a problem that is permanently damaging your PSU's.

The other thing you can do is plug everything into a power bar, and use the power bar switch to turn off your computer. This way, there will be no power going to your PSU even when the computer is "off" - however there is something definitely wrong and this is only a band-aid solution. Get things fixed before you damage other parts of your computer.

[Ya_know]

If you bought it new, I would take it back. It sounds like a major problem if you ask me. I have never heard of a PSU overheating when it is off. There should only be a trickle of power running into it, to allow for immediate response when you turn the PC on. But that trickle doesn't heat any of the circuitry requiring the cooling fan, so it shouldn't be getting hot when the PC is off.

If this isn't a warranty PSU, get a new one. Shouldn't be more than $30-40 US.

[Ruslan]

It's usual problem with many of ATX PSUs I have ever seen. The fan isn't working while power switch is off, but standby is still getting power from AC outlet. Many (if not most) of PSUs have that standby module built using usual power high-voltage transistor (800v,3a) for AC - 5VDC power convertor. That transistor is running really hot without heatsink and quite often blows. Another weak component in that module is 10Mkf,63v capacitor, what also is running too hot. Have to replace them all the time...
Fortunately, new PSUs are using high-voltage power MOSFET transistor instead of bipolar for that module. That MOSFET transistor is running not so hot (I would say even "cold").
But, anyways, I would recommend to completely disconnect PSU from AC outlet, may be using powersurge protector with AC switch like SurgeArrest from APC (American Power Conversion company)... Or using usual Back (or even Smart) UPS also from mentioned company.

[Gameguru]

What ever you do, you should unhook your PSU from your mobo. It would really suck to fry most of your computer due to a $15 power supply!

[xschmittyx]

[quote]What ever you do, you should unhook your PSU from your mobo. It would really suck to fry most of your computer due to a $15 power supply! <hr></blockquote>
I concur.