Weird smell from new power supply after power down.

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I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)

The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.

Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.

I think I hooked everything up ok, but my guess is that I did
something wrong and it's drawing too much 12v power while off. I don't
have a meter to test this, so I'm only guessing.

I did turn off "wake on LAN" in the Bios, but that made no difference.

Anyone have any idea what is going on here?
Thanks!

Chris
 
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"Chris J..." wrote:

> I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
> and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)
>
> The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
> power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
> minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
> giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
> time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.
>
> Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.
>
> I think I hooked everything up ok, but my guess is that I did
> something wrong and it's drawing too much 12v power while off. I don't
> have a meter to test this, so I'm only guessing.
>
> I did turn off "wake on LAN" in the Bios, but that made no difference.
>
> Anyone have any idea what is going on here?

Perhaps as innocent as something on a HR or power resistor in the +5vsb
circuit. With no fan (and increased power requirements) the +5vsb often
gets very hot when the system is powered off.

BTW, when the unit is powered off, there is NO 12v power - only +5vsb.
 
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On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 21:17:52 -0800, ric <nospam@home.com> wrote:

>"Chris J..." wrote:
>
>> I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
>> and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)
>>
>> The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
>> power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
>> minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
>> giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
>> time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.
>>
>> Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.
>>
>> I think I hooked everything up ok, but my guess is that I did
>> something wrong and it's drawing too much 12v power while off. I don't
>> have a meter to test this, so I'm only guessing.
>>
>> I did turn off "wake on LAN" in the Bios, but that made no difference.
>>
>> Anyone have any idea what is going on here?
>
>Perhaps as innocent as something on a HR or power resistor in the +5vsb
>circuit. With no fan (and increased power requirements) the +5vsb often
>gets very hot when the system is powered off.

It could well be something like that; I have not left the system
powered down without turning off the power manually for more than a
couple of minutes, so it may just be something that will go away?

BTW, Could someone explain to me why there is a need for power once
the system is off? I know the power button circuit would need some,
but it seems a bit of a waste to have the system using power while off
if there isn't a reason?

>BTW, when the unit is powered off, there is NO 12v power - only +5vsb.

Thanks... I was thinking of the 12v connector on the MB and wrongly
assumed that meant it was 12v power when off. .

Thanks!
 
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On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 21:42:14 -0700, Chris J...
<chris@noadresss.com> wrote:

>I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
>and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)

Is it a decent unit or a questionable generic?
I've seen plenty of pseudo-420W PSU that wouldn't be
sufficient for your system, but the typical decent 420W
would be fine.

>
>The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
>power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
>minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
>giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
>time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.

Perhaps the supply is adequate but note that one pushed ot
produce more power than the design can sustain long-term,
will not last for as long a term. Some may run for a few
days, weeks, months. Hate to plant the seed of doubt but
"Diablotech" sure it's very inspiring.

>
>Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.
>
>I think I hooked everything up ok, but my guess is that I did
>something wrong and it's drawing too much 12v power while off. I don't
>have a meter to test this, so I'm only guessing.
>
>I did turn off "wake on LAN" in the Bios, but that made no difference.
>
>Anyone have any idea what is going on here?
>Thanks!

As Ric mentioned it owuld be 5VSB power being used. Check
your motherboard manual for the locations of 5VSB jumpers on
the motherboard. There might be one per PS2 ports and one
per each pair of USB ports and each USB pin-header. By
jumpering them to 5V rather than 5VSB you could be
significantly reducing the 5VSB current during that soft-off
state of the system.

You could also take 5VSB voltage readings with a multimeter
to see if it's at least at 5V.
 
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On Sat, 05 Mar 2005 06:56:20 GMT, kony <spam@spam.com> wrote:

>On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 21:42:14 -0700, Chris J...
><chris@noadresss.com> wrote:
>
>>I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
>>and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)
>
>Is it a decent unit or a questionable generic?

My best guess is questionable generic. I bought it online with the
other components, and it was all of $30. What attracted me to it was
that it was rated as very quiet, had two variable rate fans, and a
power port on the back like power supplies did before ATX.

I know I should have done more research before buying, and usually do,
but this was a no-notice rebuild; my old system died, and I needed the
new system fast. I had about an hour to pick a CPU, MB, and other
components before the shipping cut-off time, so concentrated on
researching motherboards and CPU's. (I needed to get it the next day,
which was a Friday).

>I've seen plenty of pseudo-420W PSU that wouldn't be
>sufficient for your system, but the typical decent 420W
>would be fine.

But wouldn't that only be a problem with the system on? This problem
only occurs after it's off.

>>The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
>>power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
>>minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
>>giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
>>time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.
>
>Perhaps the supply is adequate but note that one pushed ot
>produce more power than the design can sustain long-term,
>will not last for as long a term. Some may run for a few
>days, weeks, months. Hate to plant the seed of doubt but
>"Diablotech" sure it's very inspiring.

I've had doubts ever since I received it, and it had no instructions
or literature whatsoever in the box.

>>I did turn off "wake on LAN" in the Bios, but that made no difference.
>>
>>Anyone have any idea what is going on here?
>>Thanks!
>
>As Ric mentioned it owuld be 5VSB power being used. Check
>your motherboard manual for the locations of 5VSB jumpers on
>the motherboard. There might be one per PS2 ports and one
>per each pair of USB ports and each USB pin-header. By
>jumpering them to 5V rather than 5VSB you could be
>significantly reducing the 5VSB current during that soft-off
>state of the system.

I just checked the manual and the computer;
all four USB-headers are jumpered to 5v, and the keyboard (PS2) is the
same. They have been this way all along. Is this how they should be to
reduce the power load? I don't have any need that I know of for USB
power while off.

The power supply is rated at 2A for 5VSB, and looks like
-5v at .5A

I'd like to try setting the PS2 to +5VSB so I could try the
keyboard-on feature, but I'll wait on that if it's going to use more
power (and I seem to have a power problem as it is).

>You could also take 5VSB voltage readings with a multimeter
>to see if it's at least at 5V.

I'll get a multi meter this weekend (the one I have is dead) and try
that, thanks!

Errr, I've got to ask a dumb question here, but where, exactly, should
the reading be taken? At the jumper pins? Or the USB pins?
Or somewhere else?

Thanks!
 
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In article <maci215u3gt8iki0tl2i0qvga079unf9jo@4ax.com>, Chris J...
says...
> I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
> and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)
>
> The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
> power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
> minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
> giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
> time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.
>
> Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.
>
Possibly the laquer burning off some of the components. New boards
always seem to have that "new car" smell for a little while.


--
Conor

An imperfect plan executed violently is far superior to a perfect plan.
-- George Patton
 
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On Sat, 05 Mar 2005 02:14:46 -0700, Chris J...
<chris@noadresss.com> wrote:


>>I've seen plenty of pseudo-420W PSU that wouldn't be
>>sufficient for your system, but the typical decent 420W
>>would be fine.
>
>But wouldn't that only be a problem with the system on? This problem
>only occurs after it's off.

Often no, a better power supply would tend to be comprised
of better sub-circuits including the 5VSB supply portion.


>I just checked the manual and the computer;
>all four USB-headers are jumpered to 5v, and the keyboard (PS2) is the
>same. They have been this way all along. Is this how they should be to
>reduce the power load?

Yes

>I don't have any need that I know of for USB
>power while off.
>
>The power supply is rated at 2A for 5VSB, and looks like
>-5v at .5A

-5V is irrelevant, the 5VSB circuit is the one active while
system is "off" but still plugged to AC.

>
>I'd like to try setting the PS2 to +5VSB so I could try the
>keyboard-on feature, but I'll wait on that if it's going to use more
>power (and I seem to have a power problem as it is).

You might as well try it, if that's what you want then
there's no sense being a slave to a generic PSU that might
fail in other ways regardless of the 5VSB.

>
>>You could also take 5VSB voltage readings with a multimeter
>>to see if it's at least at 5V.
>
>I'll get a multi meter this weekend (the one I have is dead) and try
>that, thanks!
>
>Errr, I've got to ask a dumb question here, but where, exactly, should
>the reading be taken? At the jumper pins? Or the USB pins?
>Or somewhere else?

Reading could be taken at USB pins to troubleshoot USB
related anomolies but in this case you may as well probe in
though the back of the ATX connector, while plugged into the
motherboard, system off (but still plugged into AC of
course). Ground would ideally be ATX gound connector but
any (case) metal gound point should suffice for this
reading, so long as it's not clear-coated or otherwise
painted and thus there is no voltage reading at all.
 
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On Sat, 05 Mar 2005 11:57:17 GMT, kony <spam@spam.com> wrote:

>On Sat, 05 Mar 2005 02:14:46 -0700, Chris J...
><chris@noadresss.com> wrote:
>
>
>>>I've seen plenty of pseudo-420W PSU that wouldn't be
>>>sufficient for your system, but the typical decent 420W
>>>would be fine.
>>
>>But wouldn't that only be a problem with the system on? This problem
>>only occurs after it's off.
>
>Often no, a better power supply would tend to be comprised
>of better sub-circuits including the 5VSB supply portion.

Thanks... I'm considering replacing it at this point, with one by
Antek.

>>I don't have any need that I know of for USB
>>power while off.
>>
>>The power supply is rated at 2A for 5VSB, and looks like
>>-5v at .5A
>
>-5V is irrelevant, the 5VSB circuit is the one active while
>system is "off" but still plugged to AC.

So, if I understand right, the only thing using power with all the
jumpers set to 5V should be the LED and the circuit for the power
switch?

>>I'd like to try setting the PS2 to +5VSB so I could try the
>>keyboard-on feature, but I'll wait on that if it's going to use more
>>power (and I seem to have a power problem as it is).
>
>You might as well try it, if that's what you want then
>there's no sense being a slave to a generic PSU that might
>fail in other ways regardless of the 5VSB.

Good point. I'll try it, thanks.

>>Errr, I've got to ask a dumb question here, but where, exactly, should
>>the reading be taken? At the jumper pins? Or the USB pins?
>>Or somewhere else?
>
>Reading could be taken at USB pins to troubleshoot USB
>related anomolies but in this case you may as well probe in
>though the back of the ATX connector, while plugged into the
>motherboard, system off (but still plugged into AC of
>course). Ground would ideally be ATX gound connector but
>any (case) metal gound point should suffice for this
>reading, so long as it's not clear-coated or otherwise
>painted and thus there is no voltage reading at all.

Thanks... I'll try it as soon as I get the new multimeter.
 
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On Sat, 5 Mar 2005 11:24:12 -0000, Conor <conor@conorturton.com>
wrote:

>In article <maci215u3gt8iki0tl2i0qvga079unf9jo@4ax.com>, Chris J...
>says...
>> I just built a new system (A8V motherboard, athlon 3400, 2 gigs ram)
>> and put in a new 420 watt power supply. (diablotek ATX)
>>
>> The system works fine, but when I power down and don't turn off the
>> power switch on the power supply, I get a weird smell after a few
>> minutes, as if something was overheating. I can't feel anything
>> giving off heat (but it might be inside the power supply). So, for the
>> time being, I just turn off the power switch after system shutdown.
>>
>> Everything works great while running, but this problem has me worried.
>>
>Possibly the laquer burning off some of the components.

Ahhh. That is what it smells like. Also, the smell is much fainter
now, and yesterday I left it on for five minutes and it seemed to be
going away, plus I couldn't find anything actually warm in the PS...

If the worst thing I'm looking at is a power supply failure, I'll just
go ahead and leave it on and see what happens.
Thanks!
 
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"Chris J..." wrote:

> >Perhaps as innocent as something on a HR or power resistor in the +5vsb
> >circuit. With no fan (and increased power requirements) the +5vsb often
> >gets very hot when the system is powered off.
>
> It could well be something like that; I have not left the system
> powered down without turning off the power manually for more than a
> couple of minutes, so it may just be something that will go away?

Quite possibly, yes. But NOT 100% certain.
 
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Update:

The problem appears to have solved itself. Thanks to the advice I
received here, I was fairly sure that all I was risking was the power
supply, so I went ahead and left it on after system shutdown. The
smell returned, less this time, but after ten minutes was nearly gone.
An hour later, nothing. Left it on all night, and booted fine, and no
problems when i next powered down.

Thanks everyone!