I built a new PC in December with the following specs: AMD 9800X3D, MSI x870E Tomahawk WIFI ATX AM5 motherboard, MSI Inspire RTX5080, and a Corsair RM850x 850W fully Modular PSU. It worked perfectly until mid-February, when I heard a pop mid-game, possibly from the audio system, and the computer shut down. Upon checking, I found some plastic bits rattling inside the PSU. I tested it and discovered only 5V on the standby rail, confirming it was dead. So, I shipped it back and got a new one.
I installed the replacement PSU without issues and ran it for a couple of hours while playing an intense game. When I returned later, the computer had shut down again, exhibiting the same problems as the first PSU, and there were rattling sounds inside it too. Could this be just bad luck, or is something damaging my PSUs? The new PSU claims to have excellent protection features, and I do use a surge protector, but not a UPS. I haven't had any issues with other computers in the house.
4 Answers
Those protections are meant to prevent damage to other components, not to the PSU itself. There could be a short inside your system or perhaps your power supply is fluctuating. Just a heads up that surge protectors have a lifespan—typically 3-5 years—so consider replacing yours if it’s getting old.
Are you using the same power cable from your old setup? Just checking! It’s important for safety reasons.
I have a similar setup, and my PSU runs fine for long hours without any problems. You might want to consider upgrading to a 1000W PSU just to ensure you’re covered, even though 850W should usually be sufficient.
It’s possible there’s a problem with the outlet you’re using; sometimes electrical issues can cause PSUs to fail. Pay close attention to the noise and see if it’s coming from the fan or if something else is moving inside. Just be careful not to open it up unless you know what you're doing, since those capacitors can hold a charge and be dangerous.
I think a capacitor might have popped too. I didn’t see anything rattling around besides the plastic bits I found when I took the system apart.