Dying computer PSU ?

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Tomahawk66

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# 253132 28-Jul-2019 07:40

My midtower has a 500w Naxn power supply in it. It has started making a loud-ish noise when I turn it on for the first time in the morning. Once it's been on a while it goes away. It doesn't make the noise again later on in the day when I turn it on. It's only that first initial start up in the morning. I've read it could be the bearings starting to go in the fan. ?? I would like to replace it with a new PSU and have been googling etc. But I'm not sure if what I have is classed as a partial modular unit?? I'd like to replace it with a 600w unit of the same type if possible. Attached is a photo of inside the case. Can anyone offer advice?

Thanks,

Dee

Jase2985

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# 2284732 28-Jul-2019 08:28

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doesn't look modular at all, it will have plugs on the back of it (where all the cables come from) to add extra cables to it.

a 600w psu will be overkill for your system a decent 500w one will be fine

xpd

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# 2284747 28-Jul-2019 09:42

Sounds like it is just fan issue, especially if you dont have issues with it otherwise.

You'll be looking at about $150+ for a 500W modular unit.

If you're not running a "show pony" case, then I wouldn't worry about modular, just a decent branded 500W PSU will do. People say the Corsair VS series aren't great, but I've been running them for years and had 0 problems, so good value for money in my eyes and I'm running a larger load than your system appears to be.

So if do want to replace the PSU, look at Silverstone, Corsair etc.

Ive picked up a couple of Areocool units from Mightyape recently for a couple of systems and Im impressed how quiet they are and had no issues so far (touch wood)

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sqishy

225 posts

Master Geek

# 2284771 28-Jul-2019 10:44

If the PSU fan is making the noise this can be sometimes an easy fix, take out PSU vacuum it and push the fan down on itself, sometime this hep re-seat. A little CRC can also help if you can get the fan out and spray a little in.

Sqishy

lNomNoml

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# 2284784 28-Jul-2019 10:54

sqishy:

If the PSU fan is making the noise this can be sometimes an easy fix, take out PSU vacuum it and push the fan down on itself, sometime this hep re-seat. A little CRC can also help if you can get the fan out and spray a little in.

Best not recommending taking the fan out as you can get the shock of your life.

Otherwise as above, most likely fan bearings, just replace with a decent quality non modular 500w, something like this should be fine.

Lias

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# 2284793 28-Jul-2019 11:35

PSU's are something people tend to just buy cheap, not quality, and I've learnt over the years that's a really silly thing to do.

IMHO the only consistently good brand of PSU is Seasonic, and rebadged Seasonic (e.g. high end Corsair, not the cheap Corsair).

Information wants to be free. The Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it.

Tomahawk66

108 posts

Master Geek

# 2284803 28-Jul-2019 12:54

lNomNoml:

sqishy:

If the PSU fan is making the noise this can be sometimes an easy fix, take out PSU vacuum it and push the fan down on itself, sometime this hep re-seat. A little CRC can also help if you can get the fan out and spray a little in.

Best not recommending taking the fan out as you can get the shock of your life.

Otherwise as above, most likely fan bearings, just replace with a decent quality non modular 500w, something like this should be fine.

Thank you, yes that is what I had been looking at but when I was doing further research before buying I saw some photos that showed the difference between semi-modular and non modular and got confused by the big thick power cable. I realise now mine is non modular. Thanks for the link.

Tomahawk66

108 posts

Master Geek

# 2284804 28-Jul-2019 12:56

Lias:

PSU's are something people tend to just buy cheap, not quality, and I've learnt over the years that's a really silly thing to do.

IMHO the only consistently good brand of PSU is Seasonic, and rebadged Seasonic (e.g. high end Corsair, not the cheap Corsair).

Yes, this PSU came with this second hand computer I am using. I have no idea how old it is etc. And I would rather have a good quality one in it than a cheap nasty one.

Tomahawk66

108 posts

Master Geek

# 2284805 28-Jul-2019 13:01

I am using a 2 GB graphics card and do some pretty intense photo editing so was wondering if I would be better with 550-600w ?

SpartanVXL

470 posts

Ultimate Geek

# 2284809 28-Jul-2019 13:20

Tomahawk66:
I am using a 2 GB graphics card and do some pretty intense photo editing so was wondering if I would be better with 550-600w ?

A bigger PSU isn’t like giving your computer more petrol, if you don’t require it then it never gets used.

You’ll have to state your CPU and GPU model but from the looks of it probably circa 2012 ivy bridge mid-range Intel chip and similar era GPU. I wouldn’t be surprised if your rig doesn’t draw more than 300W total at high load.

Jase2985

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# 2284811 28-Jul-2019 13:45

Tomahawk66:

I am using a 2 GB graphics card and do some pretty intense photo editing so was wondering if I would be better with 550-600w ?

a 500w one will be more than fine for what you are doing

Tomahawk66

108 posts

Master Geek

# 2284911 28-Jul-2019 18:34

Thank you Spartan and Jase, most appreciated :-)

1101

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# 2285115 29-Jul-2019 11:56

That NAXAN is a Enermax PSU (German?)
They are good cheap PSU's . Ive sold & installed plenty of them over the years

They have a 3year guarantee btw. :-)

The noise issue might have been caused by where the case pushes up against the main PSU fan,
bend that bit of metal down away from the PSU , especially if you spend on a new PSU .

Lias

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# 2287159 1-Aug-2019 14:18

1101:

That NAXAN is a Enermax PSU (German?)
They are good cheap PSU's . Ive sold & installed plenty of them over the years

They have a 3year guarantee btw. :-)

The noise issue might have been caused by where the case pushes up against the main PSU fan,
bend that bit of metal down away from the PSU , especially if you spend on a new PSU .

Enermax is Taiwanese, same as Seasonic, but Seasonic makes far better quality gear :-)

Information wants to be free. The Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it.

Tomahawk66

108 posts

Master Geek

# 2287307 1-Aug-2019 17:33

Thanks everyone,

I've brought a Silverstone, this one: https://pp.co.nz/product/atx-power-supplies/silverstone-strider-essential-series-st50f-esb-power-supply-500-watt-pn-sst-st50f-esb/AA62027/#

I brought it yesterday and was shocked and delighted to find it was delivered to me before lunch time today. Now just have to install it.....