I recently upgraded my PC with an RTX 3060 and an i7 7700k, using a Mars Gaming MPIII550 power supply. After playing some games, I decided to try Cyberpunk, and my PSU exploded. I'm still in shock after unplugging everything. I have a 650W Bronze PSU that a friend gave me, but I was putting off installing it. Now that my original PSU has failed, is it safe to install this new one and play, or is my PC likely damaged? Also, my friend's PSU is a URANO VX650W Bronze 80 Plus.
5 Answers
Mars Gaming PSUs are generally regarded as some of the worst. By 'exploded', do you mean smoke, flame, or just a loud pop? It's very possible that your old PSU damaged other parts. To figure this out, you’ll have to install the new one and check for any issues.
Wow, I just smelled smoke.
Don't use cheap PSUs like the Mars Gaming one; they're rated as E and F tier, which means they’re very poor quality. Make sure to check reviews and consult trusted resources when choosing a new PSU. It’s crucial not to cheap out in this area.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Good advice! A quality PSU isn't worth skimping on.
It's hard to say for sure if your PC is dead. A failing PSU can potentially damage other components. The only way to know is to test each part one by one. Be careful, as low-quality PSUs can take out your entire rig with them when they fail.
Thanks for the heads-up!
You should definitely try the new PSU, but make sure to use all the cables that came with it. Never mix cables from different PSUs; their pinouts can be very different. I've seen systems survive when a PSU fails, so I hope yours is okay!
Thanks for the tip!
Absolutely agree! Mixing cables is a big no-no.
You won't know for sure what survived until you install the new PSU and power everything up. Cheaper power supplies are notorious for blowing up and damaging components, unlike higher-end models that tend to fail more gracefully. Make sure your replacement is reliable, too.
Totally agree! You can't take chances.
For sure! It's better to invest in a good quality PSU.

I had my PSU make a loud pop and catch fire before; it was frightening!