Is my power supply a dud?

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Lukeira

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May 8, 2013
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New PSU: Seasonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V
Old PSU: Apex AL-D500EXP 500W ATX12V

Hello. I'm hoping someone might be able to give me some advice about my new power supply. I've recently rebuilt my desktop, almost from the ground up. The only parts I kept from my last build were the case and the optical drive. So, I got everything set up, turned on the computer and it worked fine for maybe an hour or so. However, after turning it on and off maybe 3 or 4 times, the next time I went to turn it on, the circuit breaker for my room was tripped and I lost power. This happens consistently: press power button, lights go off. Then I run down to the basement and reset the circuit breaker.

I've tried hooking my old PSU to my motherboard. (though not the dvd drive, HDD, and GPU) The old PSU doesn't cause a breaker trip. But keep reading...

So here is the reason why I am not sure whether it is a PSU problem or not: Plugging in and powering the computer in any other room does not trip the breakers for those rooms.

So here are my questions / options:

#1. Should I call an electrician who may be able to figure out if there is a problem with my room's wiring? (My house is only 9 years old by the way.)

#2. Should I just get a replacement PSU?

#3. Maybe I should ask for a replacement anyway, but call an electrician to be double-sure.. I'm mostly trying to avoid the expense unless it is obvious to someone that it is a wiring problem and not necessarily the PSU.

Thanks for any advice you can give!
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Apr 6, 2009
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What else is plugged into that circuit? The change from a 500w to a 620w PSU shouldn't cause this problem unless the circuit is nearly overloaded already. Also, just for background, a PSU only draws what power is needed up to its limit. So, if you are only using 400w, that is all that is pulled from the outlet (keeping this very simple).

It is also possible that the PSU is defective (but not likely).

Are you plugging directly into the socket or into a surge suppressor/power strip or UPS?
 
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Lukeira

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May 8, 2013
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Normally I have my computer setup plugged into a power strip. So the first time my breaker tripped, that was where the computer was plugged. The second time, I simply tried plugging it into a bare outlet. Same result.

As for devices and stuff plugged in in my room, there isn't much:
-3 desk lamps
-Hanns G computer monitor
-alarm clock
-Laptop (macbook pro) I usually just keep it plugged in and charging.
-Kindle charger
these things and my ceiling light are pretty much the only draw on power. My old PSU worked with this same amount of stuff plugged in, and to be specific, with this new batch of computer parts.

Thanks
 
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Lukeira

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May 8, 2013
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They are all plugged into 4 different outlets actually.
Outlet #1 has one desk lamp, and my power strip. (which only has my monitor plugged in at the moment)
Outlet #2 - 1 desk lamp
Outlet #3 - 1 desk lamp and my alarm clock
Outlet #4 - Laptop and kindle charger (currently not charging)

To follow up on your theory, I just unplugged everything from my walls except the computer. The computer turns on, and the power did not go off. Wow, I feel sheepish. However, this may mean that i have a problem with my circuit. I'll have to add up all the voltage that was being used, but I don't think these things should have overdrawn what the room is capable of.

I am still puzzled that my old 500W psu didn't trigger a problem.

I guess what I will have to do now is troubleshoot.
Step #1: plug in devices until i trip the breaker
Step #2: fully install my old psu, attaching all the power to my other components for the full power draw and see if that sets off my power issues.

*Last Question* Is it at all possible that my PSU is somehow overdrawing on power? I just want to be sure that it isn't BOTH my PSU and a problem with my room's circuit. (My bad luck has been coming in pairs lately. My new cpu is running hotter than i want as well, but that is a different problem.)

Thanks so much!
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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The higher rated PSU may momentarily draw more power when turned on, but will quickly drop to only what is needed. Are all of these outlets on the same breaker? It is the voltage, but the amperage to be concerned with. Even so, from what you list here, you shouldn't have a problem. What amperage is the breaker (usually written on the switch on the breaker itself)?

The CPU temp should have nothing to do with the new PSU, BTW.
 
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Lukeira

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May 8, 2013
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Yeah, i'm sure the cpu is unrelated. It's just bad luck that i'm having all these issues setting up my new computer. And yes, these outlets are all on the same breaker. I did slowly re-add devices to the outlets and as soon as I plugged in that last lamp, I couldn't turn on the computer without tripping the breaker. My best guess at the moment is that my current computer draws a bit more power than my last one. I know my parts are more powerful. I'm guessing this somewhat higher draw on power has revealed a problem with my room's circuit.

I looked at the individual circuit breaker for my room. The only mention of anything like amps was a little blurb that said "Interrupting rating 10kA 120V ~ 50/60 Hz" We're going to get in contact with an electrician anyway, and hopefully he'll have some way of fixing the problem.

Thanks a lot for your help =) It is really reassuring to know that my problems probably aren't my PSU. I had been dealing with some issues on my last build and was never really able to figure out what was wrong, so having a logical path to follow is a nice change from hazy indecision.
 
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ko888

ko888

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Feb 18, 2009
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Is the circuit breaker that is tripping an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) type breaker? Building codes require that an AFCI type breaker be used for circuits in bedrooms.

Some people have reported problems when connecting their computer to an outlet on a circuit protected by an AFCI breaker. The large inrush current from the computer's PSU, when it is turned on, will trip the breaker (i.e. nuisance tripping).
 
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Lukeira

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May 8, 2013
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Yup, it is an AFCI type breaker. Your suggestion sounds completely plausible. When the electrician comes, I can at least point out this theory. He probably already knows about this, so i'm hoping/assuming there is a way to upgrade or replace the circuit breaker. Thanks!
 
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