I am in the process of building a budget HTPC, as a combination of older components and some new upgrades. (I have build and repaired dozens of PCs over the years.)
I breadboarded the whole lot and it works like a dream, but only whilst breadboarded. However, when I mount the PSU in the chassis, the system won't turn on (in fact it does absolutely nothing when I press the power switch, not even a fan whir). The same (nothingness) happens if the PSU is just stting in the case, touching the case metal. All the other components are securely mounted in the case. If I take the PSU out of the case so that it isn't touching any metal, the system boots up fine and works like a charm again. Note that I do not change any wiring at all in moving the PSU out of the he case, I simply stop it from making contact with the case.
I tested an older PSU in the system, and it boots up fine. However, this old PSU can't supply enough power so it is very unstable - which is fine as I was only using it to test if it also had a problem when in the case and it doesn't.
Does this mean my PSU is screwed and unsafe to use? Please note that it doesn't appear to be faulty in any way other than this, and works reliably when not touching the case. I'd rather avoid the expense of a new PSU if I can avoid it.
Or is it safe to use if I place some insulating material between it and the case?? If so any advice on what material to use, or how to attach the PSU to the case? (obviously screws will short it to the case again).
Many thanks in advance.
I breadboarded the whole lot and it works like a dream, but only whilst breadboarded. However, when I mount the PSU in the chassis, the system won't turn on (in fact it does absolutely nothing when I press the power switch, not even a fan whir). The same (nothingness) happens if the PSU is just stting in the case, touching the case metal. All the other components are securely mounted in the case. If I take the PSU out of the case so that it isn't touching any metal, the system boots up fine and works like a charm again. Note that I do not change any wiring at all in moving the PSU out of the he case, I simply stop it from making contact with the case.
I tested an older PSU in the system, and it boots up fine. However, this old PSU can't supply enough power so it is very unstable - which is fine as I was only using it to test if it also had a problem when in the case and it doesn't.
Does this mean my PSU is screwed and unsafe to use? Please note that it doesn't appear to be faulty in any way other than this, and works reliably when not touching the case. I'd rather avoid the expense of a new PSU if I can avoid it.
Or is it safe to use if I place some insulating material between it and the case?? If so any advice on what material to use, or how to attach the PSU to the case? (obviously screws will short it to the case again).
Many thanks in advance.