Smoke coming out from PSU

[PenguinQ]

Hi, my first post here!

So, a couple days ago when I'm using my computer, suddenly there's a crackling noise coming out from my PSU and followed by a burning smell and a smoke. Somehow my PC still runs and I immediately turned it off and unplugged the power cord from the power socket. Looks like some capacitor or a mosfet blowed up, the PSU is Corsair RM650X (2018 model) and I've been using it for about 4 years. The questions is:

1. Is my other components safe? Since it's still running while the things happened.
2. If I changed the PSU with the new one while still using existing components, will the new PSU get ruined if there's a faulty component hanging around?
3. I'm currently using some extension cable for 24pin, 8pin GPU, and 8pin CPU, do I need to remove them or I can still uses it?

Thanks!

 

[Zach_01]

Welcome to TPU

First of all it would be nice to list all your hardware in details into system specs on your profile so everyone can see the system (under the/your avatar on the left)
This always is helpful, to see for what kind of system we are talking about.

I would disconnect the PSU and all its power cables and inspect them all carefully for any disfigurations or melting points between cables and components (the connections) and especially those extensions you were using.
If you are sure this was from PSU and the PC was still running then most likely everything else is fine.
Was the PSU fan working, and what was your activity at the time?

Are you using a regular PC case? I'm asking because I wonder why you need cable extensions.
I'm not implying that the extensions was/is the culprit but if those extensions aren't firm enough on the actual connections, can cause issues.
The fewer connections the better, always... is the rule, depending on the power draw of the components.

If there is any faulty component then a proper quality PSU can protect it self from any damage by just shutting down.
Faulty components or faulty cables/connections should not hurt a PSU in any situation or vice versa.

 

[AsRock]

Looks like some capacitor or a mosfet blowed up

You can see that it has ?, you opened it and checked or some thing ?. If so don't use it any longer and get a new one before possible damage is done.

And as for the cables never mix cables from one psu with another even from the same company.

Pictures ?.

 

[xorbe]

1. From your story, sounds like the PC survived. 2. Most likely it was just a failed PSU, I wouldn't worry. 3. Best to swap out the cables for the new cables that come with the new PSU. Sometimes you can reuse cables for the same brand but not always. Just use the new cables.

I would not try to repair a failed PSU, you don't know what else is stressed now inside it.

 

[MarsM4N]

Just swap out the PSU for a new one. And don't reuse the old cables from your old PSU. Pin layout might be different & can fry your hardware.
Wouldn't use extension cables if it's only for visual candy. Just a additional weak spot.

Also don't touch anything in the (opened) old PSU. The capacitors can hold it's charge after unplugging for hours & kill you.

 

[Bomby569]

Hi, my first post here!

So, a couple days ago when I'm using my computer, suddenly there's a crackling noise coming out from my PSU and followed by a burning smell and a smoke. Somehow my PC still runs and I immediately turned it off and unplugged the power cord from the power socket. Looks like some capacitor or a mosfet blowed up, the PSU is Corsair RM650X (2018 model) and I've been using it for about 4 years. The questions is:

1. Is my other components safe? Since it's still running while the things happened.
2. If I changed the PSU with the new one while still using existing components, will the new PSU get ruined if there's a faulty component hanging around?
3. I'm currently using some extension cable for 24pin, 8pin GPU, and 8pin CPU, do I need to remove them or I can still uses it?

Thanks!

2018 is under warranty, it's an easy fix for you, send it in

 

[Bill_Bright]

I immediately turned it off and unplugged the power cord from the power socket.

Smart move!

While there can never be any guarantee of no collateral damage when a PSU fails, the better PSUs are designed to quickly terminate output when a fault is detected. It sounds like your PSU did its job in that respect.

Do not use that PSU in a computer again - at least not until repaired by a professional. Just replace it - with a quality PSU from a reputable maker. The upper tier Corsairs are good, but I personally prefer EVGA and Seasonic. And I recommend "Gold" certified.

As noted by Bomby569, and as shown on the Corsair warranty page,

RM Series PSUs:

• Models produced before 2019 have a 5-year warranty

So for sure, contact Corsair for a RMA. It is not likely you will get the exact same one back. It is more likely you will get on that has already been "refurbished". I would record the serial number before returning, just to see one way or another. Then I would use that refurbished as an emergency spare and/or for testing fans or hard drive motors.

Also, NEVER use cables from one PSU with another PSU. Sadly, there is no ATX Form Factor standard for the PSU side of power cables - only the component side. So the various PSU manufacturers typically have their own proprietary designs. Thus there is no assurance of compatibility or interchangeability. And sadder still, because different brands use different OEM suppliers for their various models, is even among the same brand, the cables may not be compatible. So not worth the risk. Only use the cables that came with the supply.

This lack of standards for the PSU side of modular cables is the biggest "con" or disadvantage to modular PSUs. It is no big deal if you are only responsible for 1 or 2 computers. It is easy to keep the extra, unused cables stored separately. But if you are responsible for dozens (or many more) computers, the logistics involved in labeling, storing, and keep track of unused cables can be a nightmare. Oh well.

 

[thewan]

1. Usually yes. A quality powersupply, such as your one from Corsair, will shield the rest of your components from damage.

2. It is not easy to figure this part out. Try looking at the ends of your PSU cable connectors as well as the connectors on the PSU side and on the component side like motherboard, gpu, drives, etc. Are there any burnt or melted parts? Strange smell or smoke from them? If there is none, I seriously doubt that any of your components is the cause of this.
The only other way I can think of is the process of elimination, where you sacrifice another PSU and connect your components one by one and turning it on and see if the PSU fails.

One thing you can do is if your PSU is under warranty, is to send the PSU in for warranty and request a report on what caused the problem. Corsair might be able to narrow down if a connected component is the issue or the PSU itself is the issue from their analysis of the damaged PSU.

3. This maybe the issue if your extensions are not of good quality. Have you been using them for a long time? Since when did you start using extensions? Since you bought the Corsair PSU? Before you bought it? It would be wise to not use extensions again if you have bad experience with them and you can't find quality extensions or custom longer cables from reputable cable manufacturers. Just change to a smaller case if your case is too big. Buying a smaller case is definitely cheaper and safer than dealing with a dead PC if it happens again.

 

[dgianstefani]

https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=power-supplies

Makes it easy to pick a PSU with good efficiency and noise level, as tested by a reputable third party.

 

[PenguinQ]

Hey guys, sorry for the late reply, got occupied with works.

Welcome to TPU

First of all it would be nice to list all your hardware in details into system specs on your profile so everyone can see the system (under the/your avatar on the left)
This always is helpful, to see for what kind of system we are talking about.

I would disconnect the PSU and all its power cables and inspect them all carefully for any disfigurations or melting points between cables and components (the connections) and especially those extensions you were using.
If you are sure this was from PSU and the PC was still running then most likely everything else is fine.
Was the PSU fan working, and what was your activity at the time?

Are you using a regular PC case? I'm asking because I wonder why you need cable extensions.
I'm not implying that the extensions was/is the culprit but if those extensions aren't firm enough on the actual connections, can cause issues.
The fewer connections the better, always... is the rule, depending on the power draw of the components.

If there is any faulty component then a proper quality PSU can protect it self from any damage by just shutting down.
Faulty components or faulty cables/connections should not hurt a PSU in any situation or vice versa.

Thanks!

Okay so the specs are:

Processor: Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo 16GB (2x8) 3600
Drives: 1 Corsair MP600 1TB NVME, 1 Samsung SSD 256GB SATA, 1 WD Black 1TB SATA
Graphics: MSI RTX 2060
PSU: Corsair RM650X
Case: NZXT H500

At that time I've just doing light browsing after playing a game. For now I believe it's coming from the PSU since the smoke coming out from the PSU ventilation, I didn't open the computer yet to check it in detail since it happened before office hours start. And for the cable extensions... I ashamed to admit it but yeah, just like @MarsM4N said, it's only for visual candy.

You can see that it has ?, you opened it and checked or some thing ?. If so don't use it any longer and get a new one before possible damage is done.

And as for the cables never mix cables from one psu with another even from the same company.

Pictures ?.

I'm not opened it yet, but since the smoke coming out from the PSU ventilation, I think that's a dead giveaway. I'll take a pictures when I'm back from the office!

1. From your story, sounds like the PC survived. 2. Most likely it was just a failed PSU, I wouldn't worry. 3. Best to swap out the cables for the new cables that come with the new PSU. Sometimes you can reuse cables for the same brand but not always. Just use the new cables.

I would not try to repair a failed PSU, you don't know what else is stressed now inside it.

Got it, thanks!

Just swap out the PSU for a new one. And don't reuse the old cables from your old PSU. Pin layout might be different & can fry your hardware.
Wouldn't use extension cables if it's only for visual candy. Just a additional weak spot.

Also don't touch anything in the (opened) old PSU. The capacitors can hold it's charge after unplugging for hours & kill you.

Got it, I think I'm done with this extension.

2018 is under warranty, it's an easy fix for you, send it in

Yeah, already contacted the CS, and they said it's still under the waranty, but they needed to check it first.

Smart move!

While there can never be any guarantee of no collateral damage when a PSU fails, the better PSUs are designed to quickly terminate output when a fault is detected. It sounds like your PSU did its job in that respect.

Do not use that PSU in a computer again - at least not until repaired by a professional. Just replace it - with a quality PSU from a reputable maker. The upper tier Corsairs are good, but I personally prefer EVGA and Seasonic. And I recommend "Gold" certified.

As noted by Bomby569, and as shown on the Corsair warranty page,



So for sure, contact Corsair for a RMA. It is not likely you will get the exact same one back. It is more likely you will get on that has already been "refurbished". I would record the serial number before returning, just to see one way or another. Then I would use that refurbished as an emergency spare and/or for testing fans or hard drive motors.

Also, NEVER use cables from one PSU with another PSU. Sadly, there is no ATX Form Factor standard for the PSU side of power cables - only the component side. So the various PSU manufacturers typically have their own proprietary designs. Thus there is no assurance of compatibility or interchangeability. And sadder still, because different brands use different OEM suppliers for their various models, is even among the same brand, the cables may not be compatible. So not worth the risk. Only use the cables that came with the supply.

This lack of standards for the PSU side of modular cables is the biggest "con" or disadvantage to modular PSUs. It is no big deal if you are only responsible for 1 or 2 computers. It is easy to keep the extra, unused cables stored separately. But if you are responsible for dozens (or many more) computers, the logistics involved in labeling, storing, and keep track of unused cables can be a nightmare. Oh well.

Got it thanks! I've already contact the CS but they needed to check it first before proceeding.

 

[Keullo-e]

Don't open it so you don't void its warranty

 

[AsRock]

Hey guys, sorry for the late reply, got occupied with works.


Thanks!

Okay so the specs are:

Processor: Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo 16GB (2x8) 3600
Drives: 1 Corsair MP600 1TB NVME, 1 Samsung SSD 256GB SATA, 1 WD Black 1TB SATA
Graphics: MSI RTX 2060
PSU: Corsair RM650X
Case: NZXT H500

At that time I've just doing light browsing after playing a game. For now I believe it's coming from the PSU since the smoke coming out from the PSU ventilation, I didn't open the computer yet to check it in detail since it happened before office hours start. And for the cable extensions... I ashamed to admit it but yeah, just like @MarsM4N said, it's only for visual candy.


I'm not opened it yet, but since the smoke coming out from the PSU ventilation, I think that's a dead giveaway. I'll take a pictures when I'm back from the office!


Got it, thanks!


Got it, I think I'm done with this extension.


Yeah, already contacted the CS, and they said it's still under the waranty, but they needed to check it first.


Got it thanks! I've already contact the CS but they needed to check it first before proceeding.

Well it could be the extension cable(s) melting who knows, what i know from what you have said is that the system still works which makes it possible a melted cable has happened it just has not shorted on to another or some thing like the case ^^.

But as others said do not open the PSU. unplug the system from the mains and hit the power switch a few times and hopefully this will discharge the PSU.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Got it thanks! I've already contact the CS but they needed to check it first before proceeding.

That's standard procedure. They cannot assume users know how to troubleshoot properly or conclusively. They also need to make sure the user didn't dink with it, or attempt some sort of unauthorized maintenance or modification, or damage it through some sort of negligence or abuse and is now trying to rip-off Corsair (sadly, this happens way too often).

So,

Don't open it so you don't void its warranty

^^^This^^^

Not to mention, since you already know with 99.9% certainty the PSU is damaged, there could be some hefty voltages still being retained in the big filter caps that, due to the fault, have not sufficiently decayed or properly bled off. We need to remember that anything that plugs into the wall can kill!

Once you remove it from (and away from) the computer, you should be able to take a big whiff at the PSU's exhaust vent and smell the burnt smell. At the same time, you should NOT be able to smell any burnt smells when you stick your schnoz inside the PC case and take another big whiff.

Unfortunately, you probably will be stuck paying to ship it back to Corsair. They should, however, ship the replacement back to you at their cost. Just make sure you pack it very well so they cannot come back and claim it was damaged during shipping and then not honor the RMA. Take pictures before sealing the box. And verify you can keep (or need to return) the cables before sealing it up too.

Keep us posted.

 

[Keullo-e]

That's standard procedure. They cannot assume users know how to troubleshoot properly or conclusively. They also need to make sure the user didn't dink with it, or attempt some sort of unauthorized maintenance or modification, or damage it through some sort of negligence or abuse and is now trying to rip-off Corsair (sadly, this happens way too often).

So,

^^^This^^^

Not to mention, since you already know with 99.9% certainty the PSU is damaged, there could be some hefty voltages still being retained in the big filter caps that, due to the fault, have not sufficiently decayed or properly bled off. We need to remember that anything that plugs into the wall can kill!

Once you remove it from (and away from) the computer, you should be able to take a big whiff at the PSU's exhaust vent and smell the burnt smell. At the same time, you should NOT be able to smell any burnt smells when you stick your schnoz inside the PC case and take another big whiff.

Unfortunately, you probably will be stuck paying to ship it back to Corsair. They should, however, ship the replacement back to you at their cost. Just make sure you pack it very well so they cannot come back and claim it was damaged during shipping and then not honor the RMA. Take pictures before sealing the box. And verify you can keep (or need to return) the cables before sealing it up too.

Keep us posted.

Learned that by the hard way. Cleaned my PS2 after unplugging it and it gave me a nice zap to my finger as I accidentally touched the input cap's legs.

So yeah, whenever doing anything with electrical devices which take the mains:
-don't do anything if you don't know what you're doing
-let it release its caps' charge

But I guess that in this case, the OP is not going to tinker anything and he'll RMA it.

 

[MarsM4N]

Got it, I think I'm done with this extension.

And when you RMA the PSU, don't let them know you used extension cables. They will use it against you.

 

[1freedude]

Come on, what's a little smoke among friends?

 

[Tech_fanatic]

A Corsair RM650X should be more than enough for a R5 5600X and a RTX 2060. Also a PSU like that very rarely blows up on its own So it might me something in your system that caused it to blow up (maybe a short drawing excessive current). So even if you get a new PSU it is also liable to get damaged. So your first approach before plugging in the new psu is to remove any unnecessary components like those psu cable extensions ( they might be the cause of your psu failure in the first place), extra fans and all LEDs connected to the motherboard LED headers.