• 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.

Power Supply safe to use?

S

Sniper82

Lifer
This Thermaltake came in my used Lanfire case and I don't know if it was already like that or what. Anyway since I noticed it I haven't been using it more than testing systems with. I just built a XP 2000+ with a Nforce 2 IGP mobo,160gb,2 optical drives 1 case fan and 512mb PC3200. No high end 3D cards will be used. I tested with my multimeter and it shows 3.39 which should be good.

Pics:
http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture0041of.jpg
http://img157.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture0080te.jpg
http://img444.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture0099dj.jpg

Just wanting to know if this power supply would still be safe to use on a low/mid end system. Whats the worse it could do if I use it?


 
Likely a poor connection between the connector and the MB. If the the connector pin was incorrectly seated and barely making contact it could generate alot of heat. Could also be in the crimp between the connector and the PSU wire.

I also get the feeling that your PSU isn't up to the demands of your MB. The Ultra-D is very powerhungery.
 
Never used it on the Ultra-D 😀. The Ultra-D didn't get powered up till my Enermax 485watt came in. Anyway I think it was like that when I got it. Think it would be safe to use on a regular basis on a low end 1700+ XP?

I got more ATX connectors is there a way to change them out?
 
It looks like it's Pin 20 that has the overheating mark. Anyways, this is a +5 V connector and it could just have been a loose connection caused by improper crimp or a faulty or dirty connector. Or it could have been a high current load from the mobo. There is more than one Vcc or +5 connection from the ATX connector. I would conclude this overheating is probably from faulty manufacturing of the ATX connector rather than high current. Take a good picture of it and then continue using it for a day or two. Than try using the system for heavy loads and then re-check if the overheating is getting worse. If it does, you might want to pull the pin connector and check for tightness and cleanliness.
 
JMWarren is probably correct.

Anytime I've seen this and the components on either side still work, it's because the pin did not have good contact, had a lot of resistance, generated a lot of heat and burned the plastic.
 
Originally posted by: JMWarren
Likely a poor connection between the connector and the MB. If the the connector pin was incorrectly seated and barely making contact it could generate alot of heat. Could also be in the crimp between the connector and the PSU wire.

I also get the feeling that your PSU isn't up to the demands of your MB. The Ultra-D is very powerhungery.
Click to expand...

Here is the equasion of what happend:


Poor Contact = High level of resistance ( Measured in Ohm's ?)

Resistance + High Current = heat (space heaters work this way, ceramic resistors subjected to high current)

Heat = Fire

 
so do you all think it's a bad idea to continue using this PSU? I am thinking it was like this when I got it off a guy which came in a case I bought. It will just be powering a nforce2/XP setup.
 
Originally posted by: Sniper82
so do you all think it's a bad idea to continue using this PSU? I am thinking it was like this when I got it off a guy which came in a case I bought. It will just be powering a nforce2/XP setup.
Click to expand...

What brand is it?
 
Originally posted by: Sniper82
could I maybe try bending the pins together in it so it gets good contact?
Click to expand...

I would not bother with it. The unit is damaged and is now in an unsafe operable conditon. Continued use of this power supply could reslut in a fire and hardware damage. It's just cheaper to buy good PSU with a 5 Year warrenty like a turbo cool 510 or 850. Should this happen again then it would be covered under warrenty.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top