Computer power supply idiocy help

Disc Jockey

I finally moved into my new house here in Germany and was setting up my PC. I checked to make sure it could use 230v,which it could, but I didn't notice there was a 120/240 switch on the back. Needless to say, when I plugged it in, I got a big spark and I tripped the breaker. Is the power supply shot or is there a replaceable fuse or reset? Any possibility I did far worse damage. Thanks for any replies. My access is limited right now so I won't be able to respond quickly.

ryanjoachim

Generally speaking, that power supply is dead. It could have damaged other components (motherboard, etc), but I assume it blew out before sending any power to the rest of your machine.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I've seen a bad power supply take out an entire system under a similar scenario, it's ultimately just going to depend on the individual components and how good that PSU is. I'm no electrician so am not much help, all I can say is that I've seen both extremes in that exact same scenario with a power supply, one where nothing was damaged and one where the whole system was taken out, so I would say anything is possible.

Glowrdr

Really depends on the computer or power supply. If it's an OEM supply, then it's probably shot. Keep your fingers crossed that's all it did. If you've got a decent aftermarket, then it should have a breaker. But then again, you would probably know that, or at least see the breaker/fuse on the back.

I'm guessing your S.O.L

WilliamM2

I have never seen a supply with a fuse on the back. Usually, you have to open it up, and they are soldered in place on the circuit board.

Disc Jockey

Thanks all, that's what I figured. I will see if I can find a ps for a decent price around here or get one ordered in and see if I got lucky and "just" fried the ps.

Syndil

Many PSUs are riveted or welded shut to prevent tampering, as the capacitors inside can be quite dangerous. They aren't meant to be serviceable.

wz2p7j

Be careful with what power supply you get. I had a power supply go bad on a Compaq computer I had. Bought a "standard" power supply that plugged right in. Turned the computer on and immediately fried my mother board.

Turns out after a little research that Compaq used a proprietary wiring scheme on that unit. I needed the EXACT power supply for that unit meeting Compaq's proprietary scheme. Your standard power supply featured on NewEgg or other places would just not work (at least with the standard cables).

Chris

Syndil

I'm betting that Compaq was fairly old. PC manufacturers used to do all kinds of proprietary stuff like that years ago--proprietary case form factors, motherboard form factors, etc.--but not so much any more.

nadams

Syndil wrote: »

I'm betting that Compaq was fairly old. PC manufacturers used to do all kinds of proprietary stuff like that years ago--proprietary case form factors, motherboard form factors, etc.--but not so much any more.

I agree. Dell had proprietary PSU's in some of their systems as well.

However, I've NEVER seen a PSU riveted or welded shut. They've all had screws to take the case off (even those from Dell's, etc)

Also, the last PSU I saw with a user replaceable fuse was from an 80's Tandy 3000

Glowrdr

If you find you need an actual Compaq PSU, let me know. I generally grab that kind of crap out of PC's before I send them to recycling. I thought I actually had one laying here on my desk, but it turned out to be an old Dell PSU. I'd send it to you free of charge, just cover the shipping.

Nadams - thanks for pointing that out. At least there was ONE with a user replaceable fuse. lol - not sure what I was thinking when I mentioned that earlier.

Disc Jockey

OK, so I ordered up a nice little Corsair 500w PS that came in today. Good reviews, solid company, good price, "plenty of connectors" is what they told me. The internet is still limited right now so I go ahead and order it without checking details. It does have plenty of connectors if you don't need a 4 pin ATX, which I do. I can get a 6 pin PCIE to 4 pin ATX adapter cable for about $17 delivered. Between return shipping of this PS and new purchase/shipping it's probably a wash as far as price goes if I order a new unit and it's easier just to order the cable. Are there any downsides to using a converter cable like this or is it a fairly solid/stable solution?

Just realized that the 8 pin connector on there is an ATX and an 8 pin to 4 pin should be cheaper and a better solution than a PCIe=>ATX

Disc Jockey

NM, those clever little elves at the Corsair factory used a 8 pin connector that can be separated into two 4 pin connectors. It's booting up now, looks like the MB is ok.

BeefJerky

Disc Jockey wrote: »

NM, those clever little elves at the Corsair factory used a 8 pin connector that can be separated into two 4 pin connectors. It's booting up now, looks like the MB is ok.

Sometimes them thar manual doohicky's can be helpful. :cheesygrin:

But seriously, I don't tend to read manuals unless I really have to. Oh, and I've had good luck with Corsair PSU's as well. I have an 850w one in my server and a 550w one in my mother's computer - both are the modular variety. So far, they are both doing well and I love how quiet they run.

Disc Jockey

True enough, but it didn't actually come with a manual. The possibility that it could be split came from googling around.

Glowrdr

Yeah, I have mixed feelings about the whole "Throw a CD in the box, and if you need the manual - print it your damn self" option.

Generally not needed, but when it is - I like physically having the pages, not scrolling up and down between 2 pages at the opposite end. I run into this alot for printer service manuals. Looking to replace a part - look here. Then look there and remove these parts (found on this other page).

Glad you got it working though. Every once in a while we have to get lucky