Thanks Momaka!
Very helpful.
I’ll check the link when I have some time.
Really appreciate the feedback here.

Ok. Thanks. I appreciate the help. I have enough basic knowledge to get myself in trouble sometimes. Most of the lingo on this forum is Greek to me. I’ll get a decent PSU and see how it goes.

Thanks. After talking with some PC builders at work I’m pretty sure I’ll get a gold or better rated unit.

Is there any checks I can do to the motherboard before I put it back together to verify if it’s sound or in danger of taking out the next PSU?

Or do I just cross my fingers and hope for
the best.

The chiefmax ran this rig for over 6
mos. without any trouble. I do believe cooling was compromised in the way of air restriction more than likely, but I’m concerned something on the board may be damaged at this point....

My apologies. I meant to post the pics of the 3 I described.
1-chiefmax
2-venus
3-HP...

I’m starting to wonder if the PSU overheated and shorted something in the board or the other way around.

The second power supply did fine before with no problem. I did upgrade GPU in the mean time. As well as a bigger CPU and much bigger CPU fans and 4 additional case fans in the new setup. I guess there is quite a bit more draw that I haven’t calculated. However I did think 450w was sufficient when I did the math when the GPU was upgraded.

2 things I guess I need to decide moving forward.

1) Is it reasonable or worth it to try a rebuild/beef up of one...

Ok. I’ll look into that. More than likely buying a new one. Found an old one I replaced that was still working to test it.

VENUS ATX-450W

I replaced it for powering off randomly. Later discovered it was the cpu over heating which lead to the deep cool cooler, and the high air flow case. After those upgrades it hasn’t shutdown unexpectedly. I reasoned the VENUS PSU was not the problem.

That being said the VENUS lasted about 3 min and I got a fireworks show. Now I have 2 toasted power supplies and some diagnosis to do.

I’ll post the results...

Thinking it over, I’m pretty sure it over heated from lack of airflow, a heavy pile of dust under case at intake fan.

Fuse was fine until I shorted the pcb to the case…😕 Will have to get that sorted out before I can do anything else.
Thermister had some dust on it that wiped off. Seems intact visually.
I think I may get a fuse holder and add to the board.
Honestly if you think it’s only good for 300-350w realistically I may be better replacing it.
I know it’s cheap for a 650w claim, but I’d rather be closer to 450w min for peace of mind with the...

I’m looking for some advice troubleshooting an old Chiefmax 650w power supply in a PC, if it’s advisable to dig into it.

Worst case I can replace the PSU, I’m just interested in learning the troubleshooting process. However, it’s out of my area of expertise and I could use some direction.

During PC operation I heard a loud pop noise, like a cap gun and the tower lost power.

Initially there is no power output 3.3v, 5v, or 12v when jumping the power on pin to ground. Also, no fan power.

Opening the PSU the only things visible initially...

Re: New Members - please post your introductions here

Hi,
My name is Chris. I go by Zippie online. DIY enthusiast. Upgrading computers, repairing TVs and electronics as needed personally or for friends.