• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Acquired a Desktop Computer With Bad Power Supply

P

pcdoctor

Junior Member
Computer is an HP Pavilion m8530f Media Center Desktop Computer. Click on the link below to watch the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmLr8_KGRhs&feature=plcp

I acquired this computer from the trash and when I went to go and turn it on, the computer would not turn on. Immediately I knew what the problem was. It turned out to be a bad power supply. I haven't bought a replacement power supply for this computer yet. I don't know if the computer works or not so I don't want to spend a lot of money on a power supply. I do need to get one to test the computer though, but not sure of what my best choice would be. Someone in Yahoo Answers said I should purchase this one.

http://3btech.net/24pinch550wa.html?rv=1

However on another forum, I was told that this power supply is a junky one and that I should not buy it. The computer originally came with a 350 watt power supply which was definitely underpowered for that computer and the one I want to replace it with is a 550 watt power supply. The video will explain more about the computer in more detail. But if anyone knows where I can get a good and cheap power supply new or used, please let me know.

If I get this computer running, I plan to use it for experiments such as operating system installs and tests, normal internet and office use and possibly games such as second life or the sims 2 and 3.

Thank You

pcdoctor
 
The PSU linked to you at Yahoo is indeed pretty crappy. I've never heard of ChiefMax, it would be risky to buy such a noname brand PSU with only 1 year warranty.

I would recommend ordering online, you could get a better quality unit for less than anything offered at 3btech: Antec VP450 $39 shipped @ amazon
 
Yes, Antec VP-450 is a solid budget PSU. So is the Antec Basiq 350W, which is sold in Staples stores if you need one in a pinch.
 
At a minimum, PSUs sold in USA are supposed to have FCC and UL (Underwriters Laboratory) - sometimes shown as UR - certifications.

They are essentially safety certs, so in theory, if the PSU is UL-listed, it won't burn your house down if it burns out.

I had a PSU in a client computer burn out semi-violently, but it was UL-listed, and didn't start a fire outside the PSU, and the rest of the components survived fine.
 
Good news and bad news

I finally got the power supply and installed it in the computer. The good news is that I was able to power up the computer and stuff came up on the monitor.

Now for the bad news. It will not detect any of my hard drives. I don't know what the problem is or why it is that way, it just won't detect drives. What could be the cause of this? This power supply is very quiet too.
 
Quiet is usually good for a PSU. It could be a bad cable, bad HD or a dozen other things. try plugging them into a working computer for a test. let us know how it goes!
 
I tried messing around with it again and never got anywhere. I did completely take everything out of the computer and tried rebuilding it and then it actually wouldn't power on again. So I just parted out the computer to save parts I wanted, sent the power supply back to amazon and got rid of the computer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top