Quite lost with my PSU

[Quoi]

Hello everyone, quite new to these forums and need some help. I built a PC roughly 3 years ago, however recently I've been having quite a lot of problems with it, first I started getting BSoD's with kernel data errors, which I managed to pinpoint was an issue with my HDD dying, so I replaced my HDD recently.

However since I replaced HDD my PSU has started making a clicking noise if I ever do anything remotely intensive for extended periods of time e.g. play a game. Is this a sign of my PSU dying? If it is dying how fast should I replace it?

If I do need to replace it could I possibly get some help choosing a new one please (live in England)? My specs are

i5 2500k
Asus P8P67 Pro
4GB DDR3 Ram
1TB WD Blue HDD
GTX 460 1 TB
CM GX 650W
All in a CM Storm Scout case

I'm quite aware that it's not particularly impressive or anything, but any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[poohbear]

Most cheap no name psus have a lifespan of 3~5 years. So yea could very well be your psu.

 

[lehtv]

Except CM GX 650W isn't a cheap noname PSU. It's a cheap name PSU, as Cooler Master is a well known brand.

I can't say if the clicking noise indicates a problem with the unit, but I wouldn't be that comfortable using the GX anyway. Unfortunately though, PSU prices are terrible in Europe compared to the US. This is the best deal I can find: XFX 550W £49

 

[ejjpi]

budget?

assuming you have a low budget I'd say corsair cx430m or seasonc S12II-380

 

[lehtv]

budget?

assuming you have a low budget I'd say corsair cx430m or seasonc S12II-380

GTX 460 requires two 6-pin PCIe connectors, those have only one. Never use molex to PCIe adapters if you can avoid it

 

[Cerb]

A GTX 460 has two PCI-e power connectors. Both are only required if overclocked.

 

[Quoi]

Thank you all for the quick responses. I'm really liking the look of the XFX that was linked earlier. I'll be trying to pick up one of those fairly soon.


Even if the clicking is safe it's really unnerving to have it happen.

 

[Torn Mind]

Clicking noise is likely the fan. That said, the GX series, except for the GX 450(different manufacturer used) are bad units with long warranties. The reviewed GX 650 (not Bronze or Gold) uses poor capacitors, and does not output a good DC current under loads it is supposed to be able to handle.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/11/22/cooler_master_gx_650w_power_supply_review/#.UriJl_RDv7U
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Cooler-Master-GX-750-W-Power-Supply-Review/917/10

Make sure to register the XFX unit to get the full warranty.

 

[VirtualLarry]

A GTX 460 has two PCI-e power connectors. Both are only required if overclocked.

They are 180-220W TDP, are they not?

If the GTX460 really only required one PCI-E 6-pin, don't you think that we would have seen more of those on the market with only one 6-pin?

 

[Raduque]

They are 180-220W TDP, are they not?

If the GTX460 really only required one PCI-E 6-pin, don't you think that we would have seen more of those on the market with only one 6-pin?

I have a Galaxy GTX460 GC, but even at stock clocks it refuses to boot with just one 6-pin power connector.

 

[Cerb]

They are 180-220W TDP, are they not?

150W for 768MB, 160W for 1GB. Being thermally limited for stock models (they had features and performance, but were big and ran hot), the reference designs were even made for OCing, which practically everyone did, and 200W+ from a low-end maker with a reference design was quite feasible, and likely to remain safe and stable in the long term.

 

[Blastman]

When your psu is making that noise, use a pencil or something to stop the fan from spinning on your psu to see if the noise is coming from the fan.

If the noise is coming from the psu's fan, you could consider oiling the bearings on the fan to extend the life of your psu if you want to consider keeping your current psu for a while longer.

It's quite easy to oil a psu fan. Fans usually have a round sticker on the hub that can be peeled back to expose the bearing, and you can put a drop or 2 of 5W-30 motor oil (or any other grade of oil) in there to lubricate it. Peel the sticker back carefully trying not to damage it as it must be put back in place to seal the fan.


See … http://www.dansdata.com/fanmaint.htm

 

[Quoi]

When your psu is making that noise, use a pencil or something to stop the fan from spinning on your psu to see if the noise is coming from the fan.

If the noise is coming from the psu's fan, you could consider oiling the bearings on the fan to extend the life of your psu if you want to consider keeping your current psu for a while longer.

It's quite easy to oil a psu fan. Fans usually have a round sticker on the hub that can be peeled back to expose the bearing, and you can put a drop or 2 of 5W-30 motor oil (or any other grade of oil) in there to lubricate it. Peel the sticker back carefully trying not to damage it as it must be put back in place to seal the fan.


See … http://www.dansdata.com/fanmaint.htm

I thought opening up PSUs was ill advised?

 

[Blastman]

I thought opening up PSUs was ill advised?

People open up their psu's all the time to lubricate the fan and I've opened up many psu's to lubricate the fan on them. It's quite easy actually. One just has to be careful not to touch or ground oneself to any exposed connection in the psu as the capacitors can still hold a charge when the psu is turned off and unplugged.

 

[Blastman]

I thought opening up PSUs was ill advised?

This might be because you will generally void your psu warranty if you open it up to lube the fan. If the fan goes bad during the warranty period many people might just be inclined to return it to manufacturer for a replacement.

 

[Quoi]

Hello, me again. I was just about to order the XFX 550W when I realised that it only had 3 Sata plugs, but my current one has 6. Does this mean that if I buy the XFX 550W I will not be able to use my Bluray player?

 

[Wall Street]

This might be because you will generally void your psu warranty if you open it up to lube the fan. If the fan goes bad during the warranty period many people might just be inclined to return it to manufacturer for a replacement.

No, this is not why. It is because people have died by draining PSU capacitors into their bodies through incidental contact.

 

[thedosbox]

Hello, me again. I was just about to order the XFX 550W when I realised that it only had 3 Sata plugs, but my current one has 6. Does this mean that if I buy the XFX 550W I will not be able to use my Bluray player?

Your first post indicates you have one hard drive, so why would this be a problem? 1 HDD + 1 Blu-Ray drive = 2

 

[Quoi]

Your first post indicates you have one hard drive, so why would this be a problem? 1 HDD + 1 Blu-Ray drive = 2

Well 3 Sata plugs means that they're all on the same cable doesn't it? Will it actually reach?

 

[thedosbox]

Well 3 Sata plugs means that they're all on the same cable doesn't it? Will it actually reach?

Um, it will depend on how far apart your drives are in the case. Only you know that for sure. You can also ask XFX how far apart the connectors are on the cable.

Alternatively, buy a 650W unit as those come with more connectors.

 

[Quoi]

650W is really out of my price range at the moment. I guess I'll just have to deal with that if anything does happen. Thanks.