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Funny smell from new power supply

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Cybergeek

New Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2001
I bought a 300w Eagle power supply because it was cheap and I wanted to replace my 250w power supply that came with the case and I have been using for about a year now. Ever since I put the new power supply in it smells like hot electronics when ever the computer is on. It even smells like this when I first turn the computer on after it has been off all night. The air that the fan is blowing is cool when the computer is turned on, and doesn't get too hot after it has been on for a while. Is it normal for a new power supply to smell?
 

R0BB23

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2001
Location
Atlanta, GA
well ive had a similar problem with my psu, its wierd and freaks you out. but so far mine has run fine.

i would also like to know what it is, but if whatevers causing your smell is like mine (which did go away) then theres nothing to worry about in the short run. :)
 

Ugmore Baggage

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2002
Eagle power supplies stink!! heh sorry I couldnt resist.

It may be a piece of insulation against a hot thing (lots of them in a PSU) If the store is local and the smell is strong, I'd return it. Better safe than sorry.
 
OP
C

Cybergeek

New Member
Joined
Aug 1, 2001
Thanks

Thanks for the help. I'll just deal with it for now, and if the smell doesn't leave just put the old one back in.
 

David

Forums Super Moderator
Joined
Feb 20, 2001
I love the smell of hot electrics too :D

Maybe it just smells. There is a faint but strangely nice smell coming out of my PSU as well...
 

LeapingGnome

Registered
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Location
Sunnyvale CA
Heh, just today I returned a PC Power & Cooling supply for the same reason. Overpowering smell of burnt something or other as I was unpacking it..

Oh and hey Robb, about your avatar.. if you're trying to whack off I think you're a bit confused.. :D

Mike
 

David

Forums Super Moderator
Joined
Feb 20, 2001
LeapingGnome said:
Heh, just today I returned a PC Power & Cooling supply for the same reason. Overpowering smell of burnt something or other as I was unpacking it..

Mike

If its a really nasty horrible yucky smell then something is wrong. However, my PSU smells fainty (but nice) and it has served me well for a year and a quarter.
 

Ugmore Baggage

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2002
I love the smell of burning plastic in the morning!

Seriously, it's okay for electronics to burn off some oil when they're new but strong smells should decrease noticably over a few hours and and all odors should pretty much disappear within a day or two.
 

LeapingGnome

Registered
Joined
Mar 18, 2002
Location
Sunnyvale CA
Well it sure wasn't a faint smell. After four days my house still smelled like fried electrical components so I decided to return it.

BTW in case anyone is thinking of ordering a Silencer 400 from PCP&C, they've been (and still are) out of stock and are shipping a more expensive supply in its place (425W PFC). It's rated at 32A on the 3.3v rail instead of 40A but otherwise the company claims it's a better supply.

Gnome