If the power supply unit of your PC breaks, then it can act in strange and annoying ways. Since the PSU powers everything, thus any small issue can cause a big system failure. It can result in an unstable, crashed, or even damaged system hardware. If you are the one who knows about PC power supply failure symptoms, then you can avoid expensive repairs or losing data.
This guide will talk about the main signs of a failing PC power supply. You can learn how to check the health of the power supply unit and when you should get it fixed by a professional. So, let’s dive in to know everything!
Five Signs That Your PC’s Power Supply Is Broken
- PC Shutdowns or Restarts with No Reason
Random shutdowns or restarts are one of the most common power supply PC failure symptoms. If your PC won’t turn on or restart itself without a reason, the PSU may not be able to provide stable power.
Reasons for It
- Overheating because the PSU fan is broken
- Changes in voltage-hurting circuits inside
- Power to the motherboard is not always going to it
Quick Fixes
- Make sure it’s not overheating and clear out any dust that’s built up.
- Test it with a different power outlet or surge protection.
- If the problem stays, you should get a new PSU.
- There is No Power at All
A computer does not turn on at all! It is a big red flag. If pressing the power button doesn’t do anything (no lights, no fan spinning), your PSU power source may have broken down.
Steps to Fix the Problem
- Make sure the power source connectors are securely attached.
- Make sure the power cord and wall plug work.
- As a third step, jump the power supply to see if the fan spins.
The desktop power supply may have burned out if it doesn’t respond.
- Buzzing or Grinding Sounds
If the PSU is good, it should be quiet. If you hear:
- Whining or buzzing: Capacitors may be breaking down.
- Grind: The fan bearings are broken.
- Clicking: A broken part or a short circuit.
These sounds are symptoms of PC power supply failure that PC users should never ignore.
- System Crash or Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
A PSU that isn’t stable can cause a lot of crashes or BSOD mistakes. Not as easy to spot as RAM or CPU problems, CPU death signs vs. power supply unit problems:
- PSU Failure: The computer randomly shuts down when it’s under a lot of stress, like when you’re gaming or editing videos.
- CPU Failure: The computer keeps crashing, even when it’s not doing anything.
Do a stress test. If the system only stops working when it needs a lot of power, the PSU may be to blame.
- Burning or Smokey Smell
If you smell or see smoke or a burning smell, turn off the PC right away! It is also one of the common power supply failure symptoms PC. This means that the power supply on your machine has burned out, which can hurt other parts.
What You Need to Do?
- Right away, unplug the power supply.
- Don’t try to use it again; get a new one right away.
How to Check the Health of a Power Supply Unit
- For more experienced users, a multimeter can check the voltage of the 3.3V, 5V, or 12V lines. Incorrect results prove that the PSU is broken.
- Testing with a PSU that works is the best way to be sure that it has failed. If the machine stays stable, the original PSU is broken.
When to Replace or Fix Your PSU?
- Replace if it’s more than 5 years old and shows a lot of signs of a failing PSU power supply.
- Fix it if it’s still under protection, and the problem is small, like replacing a fan.
Conclusion
Ignoring the PC power supply failure symptoms can cause major hardware problems. Act quickly if your computer turns on and off by itself, shuts down randomly, or has no power at all. It is always best to buy a PSU that has at least an 80 Plus Bronze rating.
What’s wrong with your PSU? Talk to an expert before small problems become big ones! You can visit Eastern Laptop Repair, a top-rated repair shop in Las Vegas, to get the right diagnostics and repairs.
