Did my PSU just die?

[Dunbar]

Built a new machine three weeks ago, worked flawlessly until this morning. I left it running all night, got out of the shower and it acted like it was in sleep mode. I could see the NIC lights on in the back of the unit but it was otherwise a silent computer. Tried unplugging it and get absolutely zilch (no sound) when I hit the power switch, although the external USB hard drive will come out of sleep mode when I hit the power switch. I tried resetting the CMOS with the jumper on the MB and using a screw driver to short the power jumpers on the MB (to rule out the power switch). System specs:

Silverstone SG01-B Case (small form factor)
GIGABYTE GA-965GM Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
2GB Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 PC6400 RAM
Enermax Liberty 500W PSU

Should I RMA the PSU? I read a lot of threads about these PSU's dying.

 

[Chris Armstrong]

Well it'd be best to swap in a new PSU even temporarily (it doesn't have to be the same wattage output.. you can just connect the mobo and see if it powers on). If you don't have a spare one, I'd disconnect all drives and devices and just leave the motherboard connected. Then try different devices. It sounds to me like it's either the PSU or the mobo, but since you said you've heard about those models of PSU dying, I'd try that first. Good luck!

 

[Dunbar]

Will a 20-pin PSU work for troubeshooting? My new system uses a 24-pin main connector and the 4-pin aux power connector.

 

[Operandi]

That depends on the board but I would think you should at least get the system to post without the 4 extra 12v pins.

 

[Dunbar]

Swapped in my old Enermax 350W and the computer fired right up. Hope the next Liberty lasts longer than 3 weeks! Not the quality you expect in a $115 PSU.

 

[Minerva]

Originally posted by: Dunbar
Swapped in my old Enermax 350W and the computer fired right up. Hope the next Liberty lasts longer than 3 weeks! Not the quality you expect in a $115 PSU.

Don't feel bad! I had a Lib620 that freaking blew up Chinese New Year style! :|

 

[conlan]

Originally posted by: Dunbar
Swapped in my old Enermax 350W and the computer fired right up. Hope the next Liberty lasts longer than 3 weeks! Not the quality you expect in a $115 PSU.

If possible, RMA the Lib and credit it towards This