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Could a power supply blow out cause damage to other components?

Tags:
  • Blow Out
  • Power Supplies
  • Components
  • Computers
  • Damage
  • Burn Out
Last response: in Components
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August 19, 2014 4:06:56 PM

Today, my 500w PSU burned out.
Honestly, it's my fault that I didn't replace it sooner - I've had it for over 6 years now and I've replaced and added several components which likely contributed to it's demise.
Anyway, I was playing X3 Albion Prelude, and I heard a brief sizzle from my computer, as it shut down instantaneously. I've then noticed a frightening smell of burning plastic. There didn't seem to be any smoke, though. I quickly unplugged and opened my computer up and started smelling the GPU - clearly it wasn't the part that burned out. Then I smelled the PSU - definitely the part that's burnt out.
Honestly, I'm surprised the old chum held out this long. I think I'll hold a little funeral in my back yard with my 2 cats - I'll even give it a headstone with tales of it's bravery and fortitude.
I'm getting a new and improved 700w PSU tomorrow which should hopefully ensure that I won't have any problems like this again when replacing components with new ones, at least not in the near future.
However, how likely is it that the blow out knocked other components out aswell? I need an optimistic answer to help me sleep tonight. :( 

More about : power supply blow damage components

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August 19, 2014 4:12:52 PM

I don't want to scare you... But since it failed under load, it's very possible. Damage is more common from cheaper made PSUs, because they don't have as good of voltage regulators and surge protection. I would inspect each part for burnt circuitry. There might be damage that isn't visible on the component itself though.
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August 19, 2014 4:14:11 PM

There's no way to know unless there's visible damage to a component. You'll have to wait until you can hook up your new PSU and run your system through its paces. If there is damage, it should become obvious quickly.
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August 19, 2014 5:03:06 PM

Bloody hell...
I hope momma probability is on my side on this one. Thanks for the replies, guys.
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August 19, 2014 5:10:05 PM

Also bigger numbers don't always mean better.
I would take a quality 400W PSU over a cheap 700W any day. Most machines don't need more than 400 - 500W.

Typically a PSU running at 15% load is efficient compared to a PSU running at 70% load.
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August 19, 2014 7:50:28 PM

If any of your components are fried, you might get lucky and get a replacement under warranty, but only some warranties will cover it (most won't because it wasn't their product that caused the problem). Hopefully you escape with your components intact :) 
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