Inside a computer system, a power supply unit is a device that alters alternate electricity (110V) to direct current. Each PSU is different as some have a small output of 65 watts, whereas others have 1,000 watts of output or more. If your computer system is randomly crashing or behaving oddly, it can be difficult to narrow down the villain. Most probably, it is due to a failed power supply.
Much like computer hard drives, all PSUs ultimately fail. Also, there is no specific reason and time for their failure. However, there are a few Signs a PC Power Supply is Failing. Sadly, a lot of them are very common and can be a number of things. Following are the details.
Symptoms of a Failing Power Supply
Mostly, you do not get any caution that the power supply unit is going to leave you. Though, there are some PC Power Supply Failure Symptoms.
- Random Shutdowns and Restarts
Your computer system’s PSU may be failing if it aimlessly shuts down or restarts without manual involvement. If system shutdown occurs during times of high stress, such as video encoding or gaming, you should be very cautious. It happens since the PSU cannot meet the requirements of the computer. Nonetheless, sometimes it is a symbol of a CPU overheating; thus, ensure the processor is working cool & the heat sink does not have dust.
- Blue Screen of Death
Supposing your computer system runs Windows, the (BSoD) Blue Screen of Death is a probable sign that your power supply is failing. It is an error screen in the Windows OS (Operating System) which specifically occurs in reply to a serious or deadly error.
- PC is Not Turning On
If your computer system is not getting started, the power supply unit may have failed. In such cases, you should double-check and make sure that your PC is plugged in. Also, you can check the wall outlet with a different gadget, like a phone charger, to ensure that it is active. If the outlet works while your computer system is plugged in, the PSU may have failed.
- Smoke
If the PSU is dead, it may/can start to expel smoke or release a burning smell. In that case, you are required to immediately replace it and do not utilize it until or unless you have swapped it.
- Extra Noise
If you note strange noises coming from the back of your computer case, your power supply unit may have failed.
- Freezing
Another common indicator of a failing PSU is freezing. Normally a failing PSU will activate a BSOD, and sometimes, it will just freeze the computer system in which it is fitted. When the system freezes, you will see a static image displayed on the monitor. Sadly, your system will become impassive/ unresponsive, which means the picture will not alter in response to keys or moving your cursor.
Why Does a Power Supply Fail?
There is no specific reason for the power supply failing. Below are the common factors that account for the failure of a power supply.
- Brown-Outs: Unintentional or intentional drop in voltage. Such kinds of load reductions are used in crises like a heatwave when everybody is using their Air conditioners.
- Age: After serving you for 5-10 years, the power supply unit can fail at any time. Life depends specifically on how frequently you utilize your computer.
- Overheating: One of the most common reasons are lightning and overheating
- Foreign substance/ Dirt: House dust, cigarette smoke, etc.
- Electric Interference: Power spikes, lightning, etc.
Final Verdict
In this article, we have mentioned some of the major symptoms and reasons for a failing power supply. After going through it, you will know How to Check PC Power Supply Specs and the answer to How to Know if Your PC Power Supply is Failing? We hope that you will like this review and wait for another one to come soon. For more information click the website Memory Clearance.