So, I'm not the most experienced when it comes to PC building, but I had a bit of a scare with my setup. A while back, I had a PC built professionally, and it was running smoothly for about a year. Unfortunately, I didn't check my power usage properly and ended up running a 1600w PSU along with my studio speakers and monitor on the same outlet. A few days ago, the PSU failed dramatically—there was a loud pop and a flash, and the breaker tripped. I took a look inside and didn't see any other damage, so I'm hoping it was just the PSU.
I'm RMA'ing my Bequiet Dark Power 13 Pro for an identical replacement. My first question is: can I install the new PSU using the same cables since the cable management is really good? I'd love to avoid tearing everything apart if I don't have to.
Secondly, I'm considering buying a UPS to prevent issues like this in the future. Should I run my computer on a separate outlet from other devices? I'd appreciate any tips from you all!
2 Answers
If you get new cables with the replacement unit, I’d suggest using them. Sometimes the internal wiring can change slightly even within the same model, which could be risky. Plus, having peace of mind is worth it! If you’re reusing cables, make sure all the pinsets match perfectly, as mismatches can lead to frying components.
Definitely, getting a UPS is a smart move! For a build like yours, I’d recommend a UPS that supports all your equipment, especially since it sounds like a higher-end system. Just check the wattage of everything using a tool like PCPartPicker to see what you draw altogether. Your cables should be fine if they look okay and there’s no visible damage, but definitely inspect both ends for any signs of wear or burns. If everything checks out, reusing the cables should be safe!
Right, I’ve heard mixed opinions on reusing cables too, but many have reused without issues if the PSU and cables are the same type. Just make sure to do a thorough check!
Totally get that. The PSU sits at the back of a pretty big tower and the cable routing is complex. I just wanna get it running again, but I'll be careful!