If a MB dies, is it always worth replacing the PSU as well?

[giorgio652]

I run a computer repair company, and yesterday was given a piece of advice from a fellow computer professional; which was to always replace the PSU at the same time as replacing a dead motherboard.

Theory being, most MB's die due to the PSU sending unstable voltage so it is fairly likely to happen again, so for the price of an extra £20 you and the customer will have piece of mind.

Can any other professionals comment on this? I'm unsure whether to take it as gospel.

Thanks

 

[dajeepster]

I would say yes.

I've observed that the PSU has the highest failure rate of all the components in the computer. especially if you connect them directly to the wall without going though an back-ups or smart-ups to help condition the line.

and if your psu starts going bad... it can damage the rest of the components in the computer through over-voltage conditions and undervoltage conditions. Unless you know exactly why the motherboard went bad, its good policy to replace the power-supply too.

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: giorgio652

Theory being, most MB's die due to the PSU sending unstable voltage so it is fairly likely to happen again, so for the price of an extra £20 you and the customer will have piece of mind.

Can any other professionals comment on this? I'm unsure whether to take it as gospel.

Thanks

They're two separate devices, and linking the two failures is like saying you need new generator for your car because a tail light failed.

A power supply can fail in ways that allows one or more of its outputs to rise above a safe limit, which can, in turn cause a motherboard to fail, but motherboards can fail for many other reasons, including malfunctioning or failed components.

However, even moderatly competent power supplys are designed to withstand a short circuits, and a short circuit on a motherboard will probably not damage an otherwise good power supply.

The parts to build a test fixture that would allow you to test a power supply under load and measure the voltages with an inexpensive volt meter would cost less than an inexpensive power supply. If you have a cheap oscilloscope, you could also look at the noise and spikes on the supply lines.

Being able to diagnose such problems, instead of tossing out possibly good power supplies, would save time and money for yourself and your customers.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

Not everybody that likes Yanni are retards, but it goes without saying that all retards like Yanni.

Wait, what were we talking about?

No, I think there can be a dozen different reasons, especially in enthusiasts/OC'ing circles, that a motherboard can bite it, and few of them would require the purchase of a new PSU. Of course, in a business environment, if the motherboard dies, no reason not to replace the PSU as well just to be on the safe side.

 

[kmmatney]

iF the customer has a cheap-ass power supply and the motherboard dies, then definately replace the PSU. If they have a decent power supply, then I would replace the MB first, and check the PSU voltages omn the new board.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Mobos can die due to bad/leaking caps, or burned-out mosfets (long-term heat damage). In neither case would I replace the PSU. The difficulty is determining why the mobo died.

 

[manimal]

When I fix my car when the tires fail I replace the engine too..... Throwing parts at problems is never the solution. Diag, isolate, replace, test. Repeat as needed.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

nope, if that were me i'd test the PSU before replacing it. don't just throw something away without being 100% sure its no good.

 

[hans007]

you guys are "computer professionals".

um no. when my dishwasher breaks i dont replace all the fuses in my house, or the water pipes. a mother board can die because of anything. there could be moisture in it , cheap components, a bad solder spot etc.

 

[TheWrongTree]

It's not too difficult to test a PSU if you are a repair shop. The equipment is cheap and easy to find. Test the PSU's before you chuck 'em. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a bad idea, but if you can save your customer some cash AND give them the peace of mind since you now know the PSU is good... that's a win-win and they'll come back to you.