Loud popping sound coming from laptop

[runzwithsizorz]

I've had an ASUS ROG laptop for five years with no problems. Recently, my "brick" (power cable) died, so I bought a new one. Generic, but says compatible with Asus G73Jh. In the past 4 days I've heard occasional loud pop sounds. Doesn't matter what I'm doing, every now and then I hear the pop...and it's loud.
Also noticed the power supply is using 38% power plugged in, though I have the setting on balanced.

The brick is not hot to the touch. What is causing this? Sounds ominous!

The Wife

 

[Elixer]

Is it speaker pops, or, do you see smoke or smell something funny coming from the laptop?

 

[UsandThem]

Generic power brick from where? Are you sure it's not a cheap one from China that can damage stuff?

http://www.epanorama.net/newepa/2016/01/25/power-supply-teardowns-reveal-safety-issues/

 

[runzwithsizorz]

The brand is PWR + 17v 7.9 amps and I bought it in Nov. from Amazon. No smoke or odor, just occasional loud pop. Cost 45.00 and yes made in China. Had good reviews (Amazon). Don't think it's speaker. Was this a decent buy? or should I look for something else. If so, what brand? Do no want to spend over 100.00.

The Wife

 

[UsandThem]

When replacing power bricks, I always just buy them from the manufacturer or from a known brand. When I needed to replace a Dell unit recently after my son damaged it, I ended up just ordering it from Dell after sifting through all the fake OEM ones on Amazon.

I'm not familiar with PWR+, do you have a link to the item you bought so I can take a look at it?

 

[Elixer]

I have never heard of a loud pop continuing to sound off if it was a PSU/power brick.
Once those pop, that means that a resistor or CAP failed, and it shouldn't work anymore, it wouldn't keep making the popping noise.

If you continue to hear these pops, then it really don't seem to be a PSU/power brick issue.

I would think it is speaker related, caused by voltage spikes or something along those lines.

*edit, I also suppose it could be a discharge that happens, but, you would see sparks and/or smell something I would think.

 

[William Gaatjes]

Usually the brick enclosure is fully sealed. So, you would not smell anything until there is something seriously burning.
If it has screws (Under the rubber pads) you could screw it open to see and smell if something is wrong. Of course, disconnect from the mains voltage first and give it some time to let the capacitors discharge.

A loud pop is weird. It is better to get another psu brick to be on the safe side.

 

[RLGL]

Popcorn? I like mine buttered

 

[runzwithsizorz]

Here is the link usandthem.https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Char...-4&keywords=power+brick&refinements=p_89:PWR+
Also, I changed the power option to high performance, played a game for 10 hrs and no popping sounds. Strange.

The Wife

 

[runzwithsizorz]

Hope this helps.

 

[UsandThem]

Here is the link usandthem.https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Charger-Pavilion-EliteBook-Revolve/dp/B0051BJDRO/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1484503285&sr=1-4&keywords=power+brick&refinements=p_89WR+
Also, I changed the power option to high performance, played a game for 10 hrs and no popping sounds. Strange.

The Wife

I don't think I would use that charger. While they don't lie about it being UL listed like many generic Chinese power supply/power brick manufactuers do, this concerned me as soon as I saw it:

Question:
Is it ul listed?

Answer:
Please copy paste B00A281108 into Amazon search for UL LISTED adapter for HP laptop.
By PWR+ SELLER on August 12, 2016

So the whichever manufacturer they use in China to make those has cut some out some very important safety features, my fear is they probably cut corners elsewhere as well to get that thing priced at $16.90. Plus, looking through the user reviews, there are quite a few where it quit working in a short amount of time. If it were me, I disconnect it immediately and order a true OEM unit from a reputable company. The "pop" sounds you are hearing probably aren't a very good sign.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...ld-keywords=pwr++asus&rh=n:541966,k:pwr++asus Sorry...The wrong link got posted! This is the PSU I bought. It seems to have gotten good user reviews.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

The first unit (Asus) on the above link.

 

[UsandThem]

The first unit (Asus) on the above link.

I looked at that one as well, and didn't see it being UL listed either. One reviewer said his caught on fire, and uploaded a picture of it. So your call if you want to use it. I wouldn't.

 

[UsandThem]

Also, take a look at the picture the seller uploaded on Amazon on the unit. Notice the lack of certifications on it.

Now, take a look at my Dell charger for my Inspiron 7559 and the certifications on it:

 

[crashtech]

It might be helpful to know if the pops still occur with the charger unplugged.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I bought a couple of Acer-compatible chargers on ebay. They are cheap and generic, and run rather warm. I am concerned. I don't know where to get "authentic" OEM chargers, though.

 

[UsandThem]

I bought a couple of Acer-compatible chargers on ebay. They are cheap and generic, and run rather warm. I am concerned. I don't know where to get "authentic" OEM chargers, though.

It depends. Sometimes places like Battery Plus or Duracell have chargers that will work. However, for my particular Dell they don't.

For giggles, I searched for a replacement charger for my laptop, and one of the first returns was the PWR+ on Amazon for $25. It isn't UL listed either, so I figure that company sells mostly junk. A replacement from Dell is $70.

However, you and I have been around long enough to see what happens when someone buys a 1000w generic power supply for $30. They can't actually put out that much power, and to keep it cheap the use cheap capacitors and skip all the safety protections that a good unit offers.

I'll buy generic stuff in some cases, but when it comes to power, I'll spend the extra money for safety reasons.

http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story5&reid=324