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View Full Version : Magic smoke got out, literally

dealmaster
06-26-08, 06:55 PM
I was using my computer earlier today when it promptly shut down, didn't make a noise or anything, it just shut down. I opened my case panel to see if anything had slipped out of its plug or anything to find smoke pouring out of my power supply and the unfortunate "burnt electronics" smell. I quickly unplugged the power supply from the wall and from every component in my system.

Smelling the power supply shows that it's definitely the PSU that took a dump, it really smells awful.

Do you guys know what Corsair's policy is if the power supply damaged anything else in the system?
Super Nade
06-26-08, 07:03 PM
As far as I know every single manufacturer warranty limits compensation towards replacing/repairing their products. Consequential damages are not covered.

That being said, Corsair should be able to help you with a replacement unit. They seem to take good care of their customers.
Pandam00nium
06-26-08, 07:08 PM
As far as I know every single manufacturer warranty limits compensation towards replacing/repairing their products. Consequential damages are not covered.

That being said, Corsair should be able to help you with a replacement unit. They seem to take good care of their customers.

Actually you should still try to contact them about it. If the PSU was at fault for damaging your hardware without you modifying the PSU in any way. They should be responsible for it. There's a Corsair guy who roams about on the jonnyguru forums. You can try contacting him there, or better just call them up directly.
nightelph
06-26-08, 07:09 PM
+1
Damn, I've never seen that. I wonder if it was just a random defective unit.
dealmaster
06-26-08, 07:11 PM
It may have been, it didn't just let out a little puff of smoke. I thought my damn case was on fire when I opened it. The room I'm in still stinks to high heaven. I've already posted on the Corsair forums and filled out an RMA request, it just blew me away that it died like that. My system isn't exactly taxing power-wise, probably 250w absolute max, so the fact that this thing choked trying to run it is pretty nuts. Every company makes lemons, though.
OldSkool
06-26-08, 07:13 PM
Hopefully everything is ok. Mine died about 3-4 weeks ago and took my HD with it.
nightelph
06-26-08, 07:20 PM
Every company makes lemons, though.

very True.
Mine died about 3-4 weeks ago and took my HD with it.

Ouch.

My psu will run the system fans after the pc shuts down to remove heat. In some of the hotter weather we've been having it take up to ten minutes now! Its re-assuring.
Super Nade
06-26-08, 07:24 PM
Actually you should still try to contact them about it. If the PSU was at fault for damaging your hardware without you modifying the PSU in any way. They should be responsible for it. There's a Corsair guy who roams about on the jonnyguru forums. You can try contacting him there, or better just call them up directly.

No company on earth would offer a warranty that would cover incidental and consequential damages. ;)
Oklahoma Wolf
06-26-08, 07:34 PM
Damn, I've never seen that. I wonder if it was just a random defective unit.

I don't wonder it, I know it. Every company has them... no exceptions.

the fact that this thing choked trying to run it is pretty nuts.

It didn't choke, it failed... there's a difference ;)

RMA and enjoy or sell the new one.
Pandam00nium
06-26-08, 08:21 PM
No company on earth would offer a warranty that would cover incidental and consequential damages. ;)

I know of one who does occasionally. I talk to the tech dood there once in a while, and he has to deal with stuff like this. They have certain procedures to go through and the timeframe can be a while before you'd get reimbursed. Although the company isn't one that people here like much. :p They don't advertise it, but if you complain about it they'll try to help you.
Super Nade
06-27-08, 09:07 AM
A one off thing is different from an institutionalized policy. ;)
FatCamel
06-28-08, 01:44 AM
thermaltake replace my mobo and cpu due to a fault in the psu and I didn't have to mention layers or anything crazy like that. Corsair seems to be a better company so if it did destroy other components you could mention replacing other parts to them and try to get your stuff fixed.
dealmaster
06-28-08, 02:01 PM
Well I went to Fry's today to get another HX620 until my RMA comes in and everything booted up first try with no issues. Looks like the Corsair committed hari kari and didn't go postal, which I'm glad about.
ratbuddy
06-28-08, 02:29 PM
Well I went to Fry's today to get another HX620 until my RMA comes in and everything booted up first try with no issues. Looks like the Corsair committed hari kari and didn't go postal, which I'm glad about.

There's a saying I heard around here somewhere that goes something like 'When good PSUs fail, they fail. When bad PSUs fail, they take something else with them' or some such :beer:
RollingThunder
06-28-08, 06:11 PM
There's a saying I heard around here somewhere that goes something like 'When good PSUs fail, they fail. When bad PSUs fail, they take something else with them' or some such :beer:

RB,

I have never witnessed a complete, sudden and utter failure like Dealmaster's HX620 but what you state may have a lot of truth to it.