PSU startup makes a crackling noise?

[Stealth3si]

Hi fellas. Remember me with that PSU inquiry? Well, now the PSU is giving some apparent problems or is it just me? The crackling noise sounds low and subtle and lasts for a 1/4 to 1 second. Nothing nothing starts up, when it does it lasts for 1 second more or less. Is something wrong with the PSU or a configuration/setup problem on my part? I just 'hotswapped' a generic 350w PSU using the same setup and it works fine, including the fans. The PSU in question is COOLMAX CX-400B ATX v2.01 400W (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159023) and I've used it since 8/15/2005 w/ no problems.

[JamesXP]

Told you so.

Get a new one quick. It's not good it is generic.


Get a quality unit.

A Review:

Pros: Quiet with long connector leads.Cons: Very limited life. Have gone through about 6 of these in the last 2 years (Newegg warranty without equal!!!) So approach with caution. If you only run your system occassionly or for short periods of time you may be ok, but I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. Typical symptom is an inability to oower back up the system after shutdown.Other Thoughts: Coolmax laid an bomb with this design, something simply doesn't hold up under use. P/S needs to be either redesigned and/or recalled it's a

[Stealth3si]

Told you so.

Get a new one quick. It's not good it is generic.


Get a quality unit.

A Review:

Pros: Quiet with long connector leads.Cons: Very limited life. Have gone through about 6 of these in the last 2 years (Newegg warranty without equal!!!) So approach with caution. If you only run your system occassionly or for short periods of time you may be ok, but I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. Typical symptom is an inability to oower back up the system after shutdown.Other Thoughts: Coolmax laid an bomb with this design, something simply doesn't hold up under use. P/S needs to be either redesigned and/or recalled it's a
I got a FSP PSU from newegg today and the 20-pin connector was missing a pin connector (white wire) so I returned it for a refund. Because of a company's mistake, I recovered only 44% of my original cost after the whole ordeal, including shipping to/from newegg, taxes, and restocking fee.:temper:

[webdevour]

Exactly why it pays to get a quality PSU the first time around. Sucks that you had to be the example though.

[Mathersalan]

Exactly what the same thing the coolmax 350w did before it killed a setup I was testing with..

I think I told you so before..

[JamesXP]

Hey you should of just done an RMA with FSP and AFAIK my 20 pin FSP has one wire missing but I think that's just optional cause it still works.


I told him too.

[Stealth3si]

Hey you should of just done an RMA with FSP and AFAIK my 20 pin FSP has one wire missing but I think that's just optional cause it still works.


I told him too.
That's what I did. Instead I placed an order for the Sparkle 400 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103013) from eWiz.:)

Side question: Considering the stock 120mm fan that pushes air into the PSU from the topside, which the PSU is located at the top of the case where there seems to be no top ventilation going in, would it be safe to place an 80mm fan(3.84W) outside the rear of the PSU to push the hot air out from it, in addition to maybe cutting a 120mm rectangular hole from top of the case?:-/

[smokie mcpott]

they always picture PSUs upside down...the fan is always* in the bottom of the PSU housing, or in the front of it, pushing air through and out

*in a standard PSU that you order from newegg or the likes

[Stealth3si]

they always picture PSUs upside down...the fan is always* in the bottom of the PSU housing, or in the front of it, pushing air through and out

*in a standard PSU that you order from newegg or the likes
I see. But if I had a choice to rearrange the placement of the PSU in the case, then should I place the fan on the bottom or top? If it's bottom, it will suck air from the mobo area where the cpu fan and rear case fans are. If it's top, then I should cut a ventilation hole on top. :|

[Goonda]

I got a FSP PSU from newegg today and the 20-pin connector was missing a pin connector (white wire) so I returned it for a refund. Because of a company's mistake, I recovered only 44% of my original cost after the whole ordeal, including shipping to/from newegg, taxes, and restocking fee.:temper:

Mate, that is part of the standard ATX design. There is nothing wrong with the PSU. :santa:

[smokie mcpott]

I see. But if I had a choice to rearrange the placement of the PSU in the case, then should I place the fan on the bottom or top? If it's bottom, it will suck air from the mobo area where the cpu fan and rear case fans are. If it's top, then I should cut a ventilation hole on top. :|

you dont get a choice in most cases. the PSU screw holes will only fit one way in MOST cases...VERY unlikely that you have anything but the norm.

[Stealth3si]

Mate, that is part of the standard ATX design. There is nothing wrong with the PSU. :santa:
:D ****ing a. :D
I mean Doh!

you dont get a choice in most cases. the PSU screw holes will only fit one way in MOST cases...VERY unlikely that you have anything but the norm.
If that's the case, then that sure saves me a hassle of making an air inlet. :)