Dead Power Supply.

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Colt45ws

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Mom's computer wouldnt run today. Locked up trying to get into BIOS so I could check the settings. Shut it off and switched the power supply off so I could clear the CMOS. After I cleared it I turned the PS back on and....nothing.
I grabbed my spare Cooler Master UCP 700w and wired it up on the side to test. Fired right up.
I pulled the Antec EarthWatts 650W and put in the UCP 700W. Runs fine now. The Antec was only 3 months old. I plugged it in to test it and its dead. Not even standby voltage.
For reference:
AMD Athlon 64X2 6400+ 3.2GHz (Windsor)
Gigabyte MA770-UD3
4x 1GB GEIL Dragon DDR2-1066 (Running DDR2-800)
Diamond ATi HD3870 512MB
Pioneer DVD-/+(R)W[DL] SATA
WD Caviar Black 750GB
Not really something that could overload a 650... It acts like the fuse is blown with no standby but the fact it was crashing real bad before it gave up tells me something else went. I didnt hear any noises or smell any smoke.
 
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Could be as simple as a spider getting in there and blowing the transformer or something. Insects love warm computer cases.
 
Could be though I didnt smell burning insects. Too bad they will never say what the problem was on a warranty return. Im almost curious enough to open it but Ill just send it back to Antec.
 
I run Antec's with real good success, but sometimes you just get a dud
frown.gif
It will be time to upgrade ours to a more efficient supply here soon..
 
See if you can RMA it through Antec site?

Q.

I'm a firm believer in high quality PSU: Seasonic, PC Power Cooling, etc. Too bad I cannot get sevenTeam here.

Back in P-3 days, my fave was Enermax 368watts version...built like a tank and can run any PC for over 5+yrs w/o missing a beat. Too bad they don't come with 24 pin so that I can refresh them before putting them in my P-4/AM2 or AM3 boards.

Q.
 
Originally Posted By: Quest
See if you can RMA it through Antec site?

Q.

I'm a firm believer in high quality PSU: Seasonic, PC Power Cooling, etc. Too bad I cannot get sevenTeam here.

Back in P-3 days, my fave was Enermax 368watts version...built like a tank and can run any PC for over 5+yrs w/o missing a beat. Too bad they don't come with 24 pin so that I can refresh them before putting them in my P-4/AM2 or AM3 boards.

Q.


SPI makes a 20 to 24 pin adaptor, it is VERY cheap. Works for keeping those old Enermax PSU's in service. I have one powering a Core2Duo.
 
Ive already submitted an RMA.

I am too. Im running 3 PC P&C power supplies right now. Though PC P&C was bought out by OCZ so Im not sure where they are going to go.
 
I had an antec PSU take a dump after a thunderstorm/power outtage.
It's replacement has been going strong for 6yrs. I have one at home that has some about to go Caps but it still throwing out good voltage. Don't use it anymore. I have one of their new CPX standard PSU's great psu.
 
Power sags can cause just as many problems on marginal PSU parts and related components. Surge protectors don't help with the sags and dips.

You have to go to a UPS with good trim control to avoid that.
 
Originally Posted By: Buffman
I had an antec PSU take a dump after a thunderstorm/power outtage.
It's replacement has been going strong for 6yrs. I have one at home that has some about to go Caps but it still throwing out good voltage. Don't use it anymore. I have one of their new CPX standard PSU's great psu.


To deal with thunderstorm, one has to rely on big/bad surge protectors (and you simply cannot have enough of it).

Computer Power supply likes regulated AC w/ less swing so a UPS with AVR would make good sense to those who lives in the rural area with voltage sages/peaks would be frequent.

I basically UPS'ed everything up da ying-yang these days (not that I have frequent power problems or thunderstorms in my area). I just don't like dealing with the aftermath of salvaging crashed HDDs and what-not after the "burn".

Q.
 
Originally Posted By: Volvohead
Power sags can cause just as many problems on marginal PSU parts and related components. Surge protectors don't help with the sags and dips.

You have to go to a UPS with good trim control to avoid that.


Bingo.
 
The only name brand power supplies that have ever failed on me have both been Antec, one in spectacular fashion.

Antec makes great cases, but power supplies? Never again.
 
I've used dozens of Antec power supplies, and have not had a return on them yet.

The only local store left here that sells power supplies over the counter is OfficeMax. I usually buy their 39 dollar Antec 400 watt power supply, that works for most regular computers.

If I had the time to buy one from newegg or something, it would be a Corsair power supply, they are a good balance of price/performance..
 
Delta's ok. But I've never cared for Antec, generally speaking.

If the computer is important, I look for a PCP&C or a higher-line Seasonic (sometimes one and the same).

Make a capable UPS part of the power supply equation. They should be considered as a team; the UPS maintains clean, stable mains voltage, and the PSU steps it down for distribution over adequately sized rails.
 
Originally Posted By: Volvohead
Delta's ok. But I've never cared for Antec, generally speaking.

If the computer is important, I look for a PCP&C or a higher-line Seasonic (sometimes one and the same).

Make a capable UPS part of the power supply equation. They should be considered as a team; the UPS maintains clean, stable mains voltage, and the PSU steps it down for distribution over adequately sized rails.


I know you said capable, but most UPS dont maintain line voltage. They just kick over to battery if it gets below or above a set voltage range.
Also, if you have 240v mains and a Active PFC power supply, dont use a UPS that outputs "square wave" type voltage. It confuzzles the PFC which results in it over volting the main filter cap(s). I think I saw a test by a PS manufacturer that showed it pushing up to 50v extra to them depending on UPS.
 
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Not all Antecs are made equal... Since using Antec mostly with good success (only 1 failure) I have now gone exclusively to Seasonic. The oldest part of my current system is my Seasonic S-12 power supply and it is completely rock-solid stable still. They're #1.
 
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