Redditor finds heavy block of iron shavings inside cheap PSU, also appears to lack safety protections

Power Supply With Iron Block Inside
(Image credit: Reddit - u/RedditCringe990)

In general, you shouldn't open your power supply if you don't know what to expect inside. But RedditCringe990 on the PCMR subreddit did, and found a power supplies that appears to be dangerous, if not low quality. The Equites T500 has all  of the traits of a low-quality power supply (like no over-current protection), but this particular unit also came with an object housed inside.

Upon inspection, the Reddit poster found a huge block of iron inside of the PSU securely installed next to the capacitors. Even though it was attached inside the unit, the iron block has no functional purpose. None of the other electrical components had any wiring or direct connection to the iron block in any form or shape.

The only explanation to address this phenomenon is whoever built this power supply added the iron block to make the unit feel weightier than it actually is, giving it the impression of a higher-quality unit. Weight isn't traditionally a factor that defines higher-end units, but generally speaking, most high-end power supplies are heavier than their lower-wattage counterparts due to the extra components higher-wattage units need to expand their capabilities.

Is there a genuine reason this cheap PSU has a block of iron filings in it or are they trying to make it feel heavy? from r/pcmasterrace

But the iron block isn't the worst part of the unit. User Hattix responded to the Redditor's findings confirming that they saw has no input protections to speak of, including OCP protection. Hattix suggested that the unit isn't capable of achieving its 500W limit and is likely limited to a far lower 250W.

A power supply with no protection is the most dangerous component to have in a system. With no protection, the power supply components could undergo catastrophic failure and take the rest of the system with it. Ideally, you want a unit with (OCP) Over-Current Protection, OVP/UVP (Over Voltage/Under Voltage Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), OTP (Over Temperature Protection), and SCP (Short Circuit Protection) to make sure the power supply cuts power before damage occurs under unideal conditions.

You also want a power supply made by a reputable manufacturer, with all of the proper safety testing and regulation marking. A good unit will also ensure that proper power delivery is making its way to each of your components ensuring system stability. For more details be sure to check out our PSUs 101 guide.

It goes without saying that no one should use the power supply RedditCringe990 found. Hopefully, the manufacturer will own its mistakes in the future and build a proper replacement that users can depend on.

Aaron Klotz
Contributing Writer

Aaron Klotz is a contributing writer for Tom’s Hardware, covering news related to computer hardware such as CPUs, and graphics cards.

  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    In 2023 there are few, if any, reasons not to use a PSU from anyone but Seasonic, Enermax, or Superflower (in descending order). The PSU is one area you want to spend money, and these days even a 1000w 80 Plus Titanum PSU from those three brands regularly drops near or under $300 on sale, with 750w Platinum under $200.
    Reply
  • USAFRet
    Alvar Miles Udell said:
    In 2023 there are few, if any, reasons not to use a PSU from anyone but Seasonic, Enermax, or Superflower (in descending order). The PSU is one area you want to spend money, and these days even a 1000w 80 Plus Titanum PSU from those three brands regularly drops near or under $300 on sale, with 750w Platinum under $200.
    And there are people who Do Not Know.

    Just concerned about the wattage number, and do not realize that there can be a significant quality difference.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    Oh there's a lot of people who don't know and/or don't care, has been since DIY computing has been a thing.
    Reply
  • jonathan1683
    This was my first biggest mistake, using a cheap PSU my case came with that I got a computer show. It fried every compononent I had, even my burner lol.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    jonathan1683 said:
    This was my first biggest mistake, using a cheap PSU my case came with that I got a computer show. It fried every compononent I had, even my burner lol.

    I did that as well back in the naughties before GPUs started drawing more power than entire systems would, thankfully it died alone.
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    I have the cheapest power supply, the evga 600w 80 plus White. With some modification of course. But I only use it with 50% of the total capacity nothing more.
    These unit can last about five years when all Chinese caps goes bad. The total power draw from the system with a 13100T and a 6700xt with 15% more power can reach 330w. Seasonic can last forever if not abuse it. But who knows when some one will launch a new atx specs. 50% of market don't use haswell specifications... some vendors hide the information about atx specs. You need find the info on Google. The power supply market is a madness thank God the seasonic exists.
    Reply
  • hotaru251
    you don't mess around with electricity.

    PSU is soemthing you don't buy "cheap" as it can destroy your entire pc & possibly start a fire in your house.
    Reply
  • Ryrynz
    "own it's mistake"!?
    Lol..
    People really do be living in a fairy tale with this level of naivety.
    Reply
  • das_stig
    With a PSU you just don't skimp on paying for quality, saving a few £ on PSU only see it go poof and take your £x000's rig with it.
    Reply
  • watzupken
    The unfortunate reality is that there are people that wants to spend a lot on their PC, but scrimp on the PSU, thinking it’s one of those components that don’t add value to performance and features. It is not uncommon for people to ask for opinions on their proposed new PC setup, with a cheap high wattage power supply.
    Reply