• Welcome to Overclockers Forums! Join us to reply in threads, receive reduced ads, and to customize your site experience!

Funny smell from new power supply

Overclockers is supported by our readers. When you click a link to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn More.

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?
 
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. :)
 
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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
Back