Should I replace my PSU?

[Swoentje]

I'm typing this after my PC experienced a blue screen. When I started my PC again it entered the screen on which it said: ''Power supply surges detected during the previous power on.'' I pressed F1 to continue and when I tried to start War Thunder up it happened again. I have a Corsair VS450 PSU and an ASUS A68HM Plus Mobo.

 

[Bill_Bright]

One has to wonder why the other major motherboard manufacturers have not implemented a similar anti-surge feature on their motherboards since typically, when one comes up with something new that works, before long they all follow suit with their own version. Many simply disable that anti-surge feature and enjoy years of faithful service from their PSUs after that.

I digress.

There is no way to tell at this point if you need to replace your PSU. Surges might come from a failing PSU, but surges also might come from the grid and the PSU was only able to suppress or attenuate it part way. There is an argument here for ensuring all computers be protected by a good UPS with AVR, or at the very least, a good surge and spike protector.

However, basic hardware troubleshooting says we must always ensure we are providing good, clean, stable power to our electronics. So swapping in a known good spare to see if the problem continues or goes away is always sound advice.

Was this a one-time thing or has it happened several times?

Also, every home and every computer user should have access to a AC Outlet Tester to ensure the wall outlet is properly wired and grounded to Earth ground. I recommend one with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupt) indicator as it can be used to test bathroom and kitchen outlets (outlets near water) too. These testers can be found for your type and voltage outlet, foreign or domestic, (like this one for the UK, or this one for German outlets) at most home improvement stores, or even the electrical department at Wal-Mart. Use it to test all the outlets in the home and if a fault is shown, have it fixed by a qualified electrician.

Having said all that, the VS line of Corsair PSUs is their lowest, budget, entry-level tier of PSUs - not known for their quality power. If you don't have a spare to swap in, it might be a good idea to buy a new PSU. If you like Corsair, go for their higher tier (not VS or CS/CX). I prefer EVGA and Seasonic PSUs. Either way, I recommend "Gold" certified if possible.

 

[Shrek]

I'm typing this after my PC experienced a blue screen. When I started my PC again it entered the screen on which it said: ''Power supply surges detected during the previous power on.'' I pressed F1 to continue and when I tried to start War Thunder up it happened again. I have a Corsair VS450 PSU and an ASUS A68HM Plus Mobo.

It's been good up to now? if so it might be aging capacitors.

 

[Swoentje]

One has to wonder why the other major motherboard manufacturers have not implemented a similar anti-surge feature on their motherboards since typically, when one comes up with something new that works, before long they all follow suit with their own version. Many simply disable that anti-surge feature and enjoy years of faithful service from their PSUs after that.

I digress.

There is no way to tell at this point if you need to replace your PSU. Surges might come from a failing PSU, but surges also might come from the grid and the PSU was only able to suppress or attenuate it part way. There is an argument here for ensuring all computers be protected by a good UPS with AVR, or at the very least, a good surge and spike protector.

However, basic hardware troubleshooting says we must always ensure we are providing good, clean, stable power to our electronics. So swapping in a known good spare to see if the problem continues or goes away is always sound advice.

Was this a one-time thing or has it happened several times?

Also, every home and every computer user should have access to a AC Outlet Tester to ensure the wall outlet is properly wired and grounded to Earth ground. I recommend one with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupt) indicator as it can be used to test bathroom and kitchen outlets (outlets near water) too. These testers can be found for your type and voltage outlet, foreign or domestic, (like this one for the UK, or this one for German outlets) at most home improvement stores, or even the electrical department at Wal-Mart. Use it to test all the outlets in the home and if a fault is shown, have it fixed by a qualified electrician.

Having said all that, the VS line of Corsair PSUs is their lowest, budget, entry-level tier of PSUs - not known for their quality power. If you don't have a spare to swap in, it might be a good idea to buy a new PSU. If you like Corsair, go for their higher tier (not VS or CS/CX). I prefer EVGA and Seasonic PSUs. Either way, I recommend "Gold" certified if possible.

This has happened 3 times on 2 occasions and could you reccomend any PSU around the 30-50 euros?

It's been good up to now? if so it might be aging capacitors.

I believe that it was purchased around 2018 ish so yeah that would be possibke

 

[Swoentje]

30-50 Euros is going to get you a bad replacement; I tend to replace capacitors and oil the fan if that is all I am willing to invest.

there is one from LC Power but I dont know if its a trustable brand

 

[wNotyarD]

This has happened 3 times on 2 occasions and could you reccomend any PSU around the 30-50 euros?

This is a dangerous budget. If you can stretch to 60~70, there's some Seasonic or MSI Bronze units to be had on Amazon.
Bottom line is you should NEVER skimp on your PSU, it powers the whole rest so it must be reliable. Otherwise your losses may get costlier later.

Tip: try and get at least something rated C-tier in this list. Any enthusiast would try and go A-tier whenever, but push comes to shove C-tier is cost-effective and reliable enough.

 

[Bill_Bright]

and could you reccomend any PSU around the 30-50 euros?

Sorry. I live in the US and have no clue what is available in your market area. I will say that the power supply is one area where one should not try to really limit the budget.

I like to say, would you buy a brand new Porsche then fill it up at the corner Tobacco, Bait and Cell Phone shop? EVERYTHING inside the case depends on good, clean power. So you need to provide it.

If budget is tight, a good Bronze certified is fine - but typically a decent Gold is just a few €/£/$ more.

 

[wNotyarD]

Also, @Swoentje, as you didn't mention anywhere what country you do live in (not in any post, nor in your profile) we can't know what market we should search suggestions in for you. You only mentioned the currency, and that's why I used Amazon. With a more focused search, anyone here who's willing can get you better offers than the 60~70 range that I listed.