don't touch if its working, I blow my PSU 1

[Guest_imported]

Hi guys,

Last night I found my new computer (1 months old build
/w old case that was barely used ) was a little hot so I check
the power supply fan. It seems to be not blowing very strong
so I intend to take the PSU out and change my PSU exhaust
fan. I take in apart and go to my hardware drawers and oop
there was no new ex. fan. I tear apart my old computer (I am
still using it for trying out new programs) and grap the PSU
(4 years old but working fine). I choked myself with all the
dust (you know how dirty a 4 year old unit could be) and so
I open the PSU up and with a paint brush, brushed away the
dust. I still find some dirt under the PCB and the floor of the
PSU where my brush cannot reach so I took a few deep breath
and blow into the space, hoping to blow out the dust ( I shouldn't
do that for it is hazadous to my health ). Anyway I do the clean-up
and put it back into the new machine and click..... The machine
keeps rebooting after the window screen but never successful to fire
up again. I probably "blow" my PSU. So I took the old fan out and
solder it to the newer PSU. Fortunately, I got the new computer
working again but I took my more than four hours since the first
tearing apart. How did I wreck my PSU? can anybody suggest me
some ideas??

Question 2 : There are some slot openings
right above the output ports and beneath the PSU. I test with some
tissue and found air sucking into the case. Should it be blowing out
instead? I can install 3 4x4 cm fans over the slots, just have to know
blowing in or out in the first place.

Question 3 : I remove the heat sink over the cpu and find that all the
heat compound go to the sides of the die which is all very clean. The
mark on the sink is also like so : a clean mark in the middle with traces
of compound around. Is this a good sign or is the clamp too tight that
it squeezes out all the compound and leave bad heat contact?

 

[edfair]

#1. Old power supply probably doesn't supply enough stuff to run the new computer. Newer computers and processors require more power than 4 year old units needed.
#2. If you have openings that allow air in your processor may be overheating from lack of cooling. Some cases are stamped with openings for additional fans. If the fans aren't installed it would be better to seal the openings and draw air across the M/B.
#3. Have never seen a clamp so tight that it extruded all the compound. More likely that it is a poor install. Don't use too much when you put it back together. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Guest_imported]

I agree with Ed's comments... I think your Q.2 is referring to the PSU enclosure. Yes, air should be flowing INTO it from within the PC. The face of the PSU which is bolted to the back of the computer case EXHAUSTS air, so you should feel it blowing OUT if you hold your hand near the back of the computer. Many PSUs have a thermostatically fan within them. If you think a better throughput of air is required, you could either knock off the thermostat and feed the PSU fan with 12v direct, or probably better still, fit an additional fan ot two to the computer case.


ROGER - GØAOZ.

 

[Guest_imported]

GØAOZ (Visitor)

Sorry, I did not make myself clear enough. The openings are
on the case. If you look from the rear of your PCs (I am
referring to the DIYs of course) you can see the PSU inputs (and
of course the PSU fan openning) and the keyboard, mice, usb,
parallel, serial, monitor, sound outputs on one side of the cabinet
There is an area of about 4x12 cm between the two groups, where
somethings you can see some pre-cut for p&s outlets (this is for
some old mobo) Instead of these pre-cuts, I have some open
slots where I check my air flow( it is blowing into the cabinet )
My old PSU wasn't that bad. It is a 300W and of good quality.
Although it cost about $25 to buy a new cabinet and $4 for
a 8cm fan, I would rather get a fan for I don't want to pollute
our earth more.

 

[Guest_imported]

No problem tony_chan, all understood now - I should learn not to scan messages so fast! Generally I think one can normally expect apertures on the back of the computer case to EXHAUST air, with fan(s) suitably placed at the front of the PC to draw IN fresh air. However, you need to determine the path the air will take to reach your CPU. If drawing it in from the front means it passes over other hot devices, e.g. video card, mobo chipset, fast HDDs etc., then the air may already be hot by the time it reaches the proc. So drawing it in from the back might be better if this gives a decent flow of cool air where it's needed. So, you will need to look at the layout of components inside your PC before making a decision.

Hope that helps...


ROGER - GØAOZ.