Loud pop from power supply

[spuds]

I've just turned my main computer on, and there was a loud popping sound (not a huge bang, but enough to not sound right). My PSU must have blown, but I don't know if it's something I can fix?

The main cable has been replaced and that didn't make a difference, so it can't be the fuse in the plug. Is there an internal fuse that could have blown, and will my other components be damaged?

Theres a PC shop round the corner that does cheap power supplies, so I should be able to fix it quickly if it has blown.

 

[Geoffers]

Chances are that it is the PSU!
It happened to me a few years back. I powered up and there was a soft 'pop' and everything went dead. Replaced the PSU and all was fine. No damage was caused to anything else!

 

[Ian]

I'll 2nd that, it certainly sounds like the PSU if it popped and won't turn on now. It could damage other components, but I've not seen that happen for a long time.

Theres a PC shop round the corner that does cheap power supplies, so I should be able to fix it quickly if it has blown.

Of all the PC components, the PSU is one of the most important - and it's often overlooked. The £15 PSU's you see are cheap for a reason I'd spend a little more and get some quality that won't go up in smoke again - it's worth it

 

[bilbobaggins]

OCZ and PCP&C power supplies are good ones, but they are more expensive than generic units. I don't know much about software, but I do about hardware!

 

[spuds]

Phew, my computer is working once again. Thanks for the help everyone, I went for the OCZ 500W StealthXstream PSU for forty quid online.

Nothing was damaged when I powered on for the first time, so it didn't end up being a more expensive buy than I feared.

 

[Ian]

Phew, my computer is working once again. Thanks for the help everyone, I went for the OCZ 500W StealthXstream PSU for forty quid online.

I almost got that one myself last time I upgraded! Is it quiet when it's running?

 

[spuds]

I almost got that one myself last time I upgraded! Is it quiet when it's running?

Yeah it's certainly not loud, I don't use enough power supplies to compare it with to know if it's quieter than normal though. I would recommend it!