Power supply overheated, is still ok ?

[jamaicaplain2002]

Last night my computer smelled funny, a bit like burning rubber. Upon further sniffing out today, there were no strong odors from anywhere, but I could smell the remains of the odor coming from the power supply, which is a silent (fanless) supply I bought 2-3 years ago. Running for a 45 min or so today the smell has not returned. What kind of risk am I running if I don't replace the power supply now, but stick with it until the smell comes back ? Is it likely to damage any other components of my system ? Also, I monitor my motherboard, cpu and video card temp's (GForce 8800GT, Core2 Duo at 2.6MHz, DK Lan Party) temperatures and they have been okay running with the case open and no case fans. (The CPU and heatsink have a fan, and the video card has its own fan). If I close it up and run a case fan I might keep my power supply cooler thus preventing future overheating, but I am still wondering if it is dangerous, or if my PSU is definitely on the way out.

 

[orangegator]

Replace the psu. Otherwise it will likely die soon and fry the rest of your system too.

 

[vin73]

My PSU died a week ago, tried two new kettle leads, each time popped and fused.
New PSU inc, hope it didnt nuke my rig!
Don't mess with PSU's, the single most important thing in any PC imo... if I wasnt also about to build a new PC, i'd never have tried another power lead.

 

[jamaicaplain2002]

Thanks for the instant feedback so far. Think I will follow it.

Any recommendations out there for a $50 range PSU, ATX, pci-e and sata, 450W min, QUIET and reliable ?

 

[jsc]

At $50, look for sales and specials.