Power supply whining problem

[danielbourdon]

I am a new member and i want to know something.
I just bought a used iso 300w switching power supply and had a computer store test it and it worked fine, but the store said that a whining sound was coming from it. they said it was probably a capacitor and that the power supply would probably go out soon.
Can somebody tell me what the problem might be.

 

[TempliNocturnus]

It could be a capacitor going bad. However, depending on the sound, it could also be the fan. You can stick a pencil/paperclip in it to stop the fan temporarily and see if the noise goes away. However, if the noise is a steady, somewhat high-pitched whining, I'd say it's most likely a capacitor going bad. If that's the case, then you should cease using the unit and RMA/replace it immediately.

 

[wingman99]

+1 second that if it is a capacitor going out RMA it.

 

[larrymoencurly]

It could be a capacitor going bad. However, depending on the sound, it could also be the fan. You can stick a pencil/paperclip in it to stop the fan temporarily and see if the noise goes away. However, if the noise is a steady, somewhat high-pitched whining, I'd say it's most likely a capacitor going bad. If that's the case, then you should cease using the unit and RMA/replace it immediately.

I wouldn't stick a pencil or paperclip into the fan because there's exposed high voltage just beyond the fan, and hard stuff can break fan blades. It's a lot safer to use something soft that can't break off, like a plastic straw or some rubber or plastic tubing.

 

[Bobnova]

I wouldn't stick a pencil or paperclip into the fan because there's exposed high voltage just beyond the fan, and hard stuff can break fan blades. It's a lot safer to use something soft that can't break off, like a plastic straw or some rubber or plastic tubing.

+1 to that.
Nothing conductive, that's *#@$Y% dangerous.

I expect that PSU is dead by this point, but the "don't stick conductive stuff into a PSU" point stands.

 

[danielbourdon]

That PSU is long gone! I posted this issue over 3 years ago, and didn't know anything about computers back then. I now know how dangerous some computer components are, and have even built a few computers myself. Thanks for the tips guys, even though I don't really need them anymore!

 

[lopgok]

I wouldn't stick a pencil or paperclip into the fan because there's exposed high voltage just beyond the fan, and hard stuff can break fan blades. It's a lot safer to use something soft that can't break off, like a plastic straw or some rubber or plastic tubing.

Personally, I like using nylon cable ties. It won't damage the fan blade, and it won't break off and cause issues with the electronics.