Power Question!

[minsonngo]

I have a power supply that seems to be making sort of a low grinding or rumbling noise. This noise is constant and just started about one day ago. I cleaned the fans on the power supply but the noise is still there. I am guessing that the bearings on the fan is too old and I may just need to replace the whole power supply to avoid any problems in the future. I could just use some WD-40 on it but this is may just fix it for a little while. Could the power supply be dying? I am not having any problems with the computer at all by the way. The sound is just annoying an maybe a forewarning that the power supply will die soon. Does anybody have any suggestions or comments? Thank you all in advance and any help is appreciated!

[Fastfly]

Get a Luber Grease something alittle more thicker then wd 40

[Cricket]

Hi minsonngo,

You don't have to replace the entire power supply, you can replace the power supply fan...it's just a 80mm or 92mm case fan.

But, you have to be careful when working inside a power supply as there is still a charge held in the big capacitors even when the PSU is in unplugged. It's suggested that you remove the power supply from the case and leave it unplugged for 24 hours before you open it up to replace the fan (this gives the capacitors time to discharge).

When you're inside the power supply, find the power leads to the fan and find a spot where you can cut them (leave room to make the splice) and remove the original fan. Splice the new fan power wires in (either solder them or use butt end connectors) and mount the fan. Make sure you use a 2 wire case fan (without a RPM sensor wire) and that you connect it up properly (red to red, black to black). Re-assemble the PSU housing and it might be a good idea to test the PSU outside the case for now. If the fan spins okay and there no sparks or smoke, shut it off and install it back into the case. Should be good to go.

Of course, if you don't feel like taking the chance of messing something up, replace the entire power supply.

Cricket

[mike breck]

Unless you're very confident and have a good knowledge of electricity, I would just replace the PSU.

There are two components, I personally, don't recommend people opening up unless they "really" know what they're doing - the PSU and the monitor.

No point in taking the risk of killing yourself while trying to fix a relatively inexpensive component like a PSU.

[Fastfly]

I dont know if this is true. But You can take the charge from the capaciters by removing the plug while power is being taken from it.

[edge345]

I have to agree with Mike Breck and just replace the power supply. The new power supply should last the rest of the life of the computer. For recomended power supply makers just repost....