I have a computer with AMD Phenom Quad Core 2.20GHz, 4GB RAM and an ATI x1200 'onboard solution'. The PSU is a 300W output.

 

I've just bought a new graphics card, the ATI Radeon HD 4670 1GB.

 

When I put it in, I didn't realise that a cable tie in the computer was fouling the fan. I smelt a worrying, plastic smell. So on mmaattiiss' recommendation, I opened the unit while running and noticed the problem. I also used the Speedfan program, which told me that temperature 3 was 127C. All the other temperatures were fine.

 

The fan on the graphics card now rotates while the computer is on, but speedfan is still saying temperature 3 is 127C even after being switched off and left for hours.

 

I've realised that the minimum output is 400W so my PSU will need to be replaced. I don't know if this is problem though.

 

So I've had a look about and found a few power supplies, I don't want to spend much more money on this computer, but I want it to work! So £50 is the absolute maximum.

1 2 3

 

 

Any input on the heat problems would be appreciated. :ohnoes:

 

 

 

BIG PROBLEM:

 

Okay, another update:

 

The Graphics Card needs replaced, so I'll be taking it back to the shop.

 

The PSU needed upgrading, and the Repair Shop offered to fit a 650W for £35, so I took them up on that.

 

I removed the graphics card and put it back in it's anti-static cover and box. I replaced the cover on the computer, then connected the monitor, keyboard etc.

 

I switched it on at the wall then switched the computer on using the switch at the front. At this point, I heard a very loud bang, and the front light was on, but nothing else. The fans aren't running now. The capacitors aren't bulbous, which I gather is a good sign. I also gather that the front light being on is also a good sign. If anyone could confirm this that'd make me very happy.

 

Is there anything I can do to fix it, or is it another trip to the shop with it?

 

Also what are the chances of my computer working as normal after this?

 

(copied from last post)

Open up CCC and see if it also says 127.

 

4670 uses 50w max. So if your psu is of good quality you don't need to switch.

Could you give me a link to the product page of your current psu (or tell me the brand+model+amps on 12v), and how old is it btw?

 

The gpu overheating has nothing to do with the psu tho if that's what your getting at.

But here's my recommendation: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CX400W-Power-Supply-CMPSU-400CXUK/dp/B00261ENEK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262870469&sr=8-2

I would buy the same PSU from scan.co.uk

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/400W-Corsair-CMPSU-400CXUK-Power-Series-PSU-ATX-PS-2-UK-Version-3-year-warranty

Its slight cheaper and if you google scan.co.uk free delivery and post of any of the selected forums it brings up you can get free delivery.

 

Never buy from any physical store based business when your buying PC parts without there massively on sale as they tend to rip you off by a large margin.

 

Open up the case when the PC is on and feel (about 1 inch from the parts should be enough) where most of the heat is coming from.

 

Speedfan can sometimes give wierd readings so try a few other programs too.

Quick update:

I've taken it to a local PC repair shop. They'll have a look at it, free of charge. They'll then tell me what, if anything, is wrong.

That said, he said the burning smell isn't a good sign. So I'm preparing myself for the worst.

Okay, another update:

 

The Graphics Card needs replaced, so I'll be taking it back to the shop.

 

The PSU needed upgrading, and the Repair Shop offered to fit a 650W for £35, so I took them up on that.

 

I removed the graphics card and put it back in it's anti-static cover and box. I replaced the cover on the computer, then connected the monitor, keyboard etc.

 

I switched it on at the wall then switched the computer on using the switch at the front. At this point, I heard a very loud bang, and the front light was on, but nothing else. The fans aren't running now. The capacitors aren't bulbous, which I gather is a good sign. I also gather that the front light being on is also a good sign. If anyone could confirm this that'd make me very happy.

 

Is there anything I can do to fix it, or is it another trip to the shop with it?

 

Also what are the chances of my computer working as normal after this?

1: There's a reason why the psu me and JoeDaStudd posted costs the same amount as yours but is labeled 400w.

2: If you mean that the cpu fan (and case ones (i'm guessing the psu fan is working)) aren't spinning, check them at another computer first if they still don't work - replace. Don't run the computer without the cpu fan working.

3: I don't know about the bang. But that's not a good sign. Get it checked.

One guess i'd have would be the new psu, but usually when they blow up they stop working and take part/whole system with them.

1: There's a reason why the psu me and JoeDaStudd posted costs the same amount as yours but is labeled 400w.

2: If you mean that the cpu fan (and case ones (i'm guessing the psu fan is working)) aren't spinning, check them at another computer first if they still don't work - replace. Don't run the computer without the cpu fan working.

3: I don't know about the bang. But that's not a good sign. Get it checked.

One guess i'd have would be the new psu, but usually when they blow up they stop working and take part/whole system with them.

 

I guess it was too good to be true.

None of the fans are running. I have two fans outside the PSU, neither are running. The fan inside the PSU doesn't work either.

 

Do you reckon I'll have any right to a new system should this one be fried?

1: There's a reason why the psu me and JoeDaStudd posted costs the same amount as yours but is labeled 400w.

2: If you mean that the cpu fan (and case ones (i'm guessing the psu fan is working)) aren't spinning, check them at another computer first if they still don't work - replace. Don't run the computer without the cpu fan working.

3: I don't know about the bang. But that's not a good sign. Get it checked.

One guess i'd have would be the new psu, but usually when they blow up they stop working and take part/whole system with them.

 

I guess it was too good to be true.

None of the fans are running. I have two fans outside the PSU, neither are running. The fan inside the PSU doesn't work either.

 

Do you reckon I'll have any right to a new system should this one be fried?

 

It sounds like the psu blew then. Do not power your computer on.

I don't know if you're eligible for compensation via your home insurance, the computer store or the psu company. But to get any compensation, your computer parts must be checked individually first.

 

Edit: I should add that 650w for a system like yours is over the top and that the psu won't be working at it's best capacity. If it's a proper psu (i.e. the 12v lanes provide 650) then the psu will be working under the 20% load margin. When computer websites reviews a psu, they always start at 20% load when testing. Because a, you aren't expected to use 10% of a psu, b, power supplies start working the best at 20%.

1: There's a reason why the psu me and JoeDaStudd posted costs the same amount as yours but is labeled 400w.

2: If you mean that the cpu fan (and case ones (i'm guessing the psu fan is working)) aren't spinning, check them at another computer first if they still don't work - replace. Don't run the computer without the cpu fan working.

3: I don't know about the bang. But that's not a good sign. Get it checked.

One guess i'd have would be the new psu, but usually when they blow up they stop working and take part/whole system with them.

 

I guess it was too good to be true.

None of the fans are running. I have two fans outside the PSU, neither are running. The fan inside the PSU doesn't work either.

 

Do you reckon I'll have any right to a new system should this one be fried?

 

It sounds like the psu blew then. Do not power your computer on.

I don't know if you're eligible for compensation via your home insurance, the computer store or the psu company. But to get any compensation, your computer parts must be checked individually first.

 

Edit: I should add that 650w for a system like yours is over the top and that the psu won't be working at it's best capacity. If it's a proper psu (i.e. the 12v lanes provide 650) then the psu will be working under the 20% load margin. When computer websites reviews a psu, they always start at 20% load when testing. Because a, you aren't expected to use 10% of a psu, b, power supplies start working the best at 20%.

 

Right, so a 500W would do in the future?

Noted.

 

Surely if the PSU was the problem, it's not my fault and the fault of the supplied part. I'll see what they say.

A 500w will do fine.

A quality 300w psu would be enough for you.

 

I have a VX550, it's able to provide much more than i use but i have bought it because i plan to keep it for a long time, i will be able to upgrade my system without having to change the psu and i get a 5 year warranty on it aswell.