Computer keeps blowing power supplies... Why?

[NiHaoMike]

good brand motherboard such as Intel, or even more riskier but well known name such as Gigabyte or Asus can be a good starting point when DIYing PC system, read the spec sheet what cpu and ram it can takes and there should be very little can go wrong in like 7-15 years of usage. dont ever think of inventing new combination that is not in the spec sheet recommendation. "google-master" will also search for bug/damage/downside/flaw of each brand model before buying to get more bulletproof/guaranteed custom made pc system. the downside is finding good PSU for the setup. brand name PC dell or HP they usually have very good and robust PSU, but its very custom to their specific system that you cannot use it on DIY PC (standard ATX) the good thing is they last long, the bad thing is when they broke, you cant simply buy normal atx pc psu and put in there. you either have to order from authorized dealer and wait many weeks for it to arrive, or simply you buy new model pc of that brand, ymmv.

There's also the option of buying a used rack server and adding a GPU, overkill for a regular office PC but it's hard to beat the build quality. Many spare parts are readily available for fairly low prices, in fact server PSUs are commonly repurposed due to low prices on the surplus market.

It's also worth noting that for those with 240V mains that runs a bit on the high side, there are server PSUs available that are compatible with 208V-277V nominal.

[rsjsouza]

One additional factor I haven't seen mentioned: environmental. Does the computer live in a coastal area? The sea salt on the air obliterates any boards, but especially the ones with forced cooling such as a PSU.

(My dad used to live by the shore and that was his experience).

Good luck in your investigation

[MarkS]

One additional factor I haven't seen mentioned: environmental. Does the computer live in a coastal area? The sea salt on the air obliterates any boards, but especially the ones with forced cooling such as a PSU.

(My dad used to live by the shore and that was his experience).

Good luck in your investigation

Nope. She lives in Oklahoma City.

[radiolistener]

Could faulty wiring cause this? What are some typical causes?

yes, bad wiring can cause high voltage drops, undervoltage can damage PSU. The same PSU don't like overvoltage.

10 years ago I had the same issues due to high mains voltage and periodic >250V overvoltage.
I fixed it by installing voltage protection relay, it check voltage and in case of overvoltage or undervoltage just switch it off for at least 1-2 minutes. After that PSU worked for 10 years with no issues, it was broken some time ago when I tuned overvoltage threshold above 245V. We had many voltage issues and overvoltage was keep for a long time, so I tired to wait and tried to increase overvoltage limit... I did that several times, but last time it leads to broken PSU.

[Black Phoenix]

Also don't postpone the fact that if the PSU is the same brand and model it could be a bad batch.

Back in 2006 I had 2 Enermax Noisetaker 600W blow up in my computer in a span of 2 weeks. First was replaced by the shop where I bought. Second one they refuse to replace it (they would say it was error mistake but they returned the money and I bought a different model from another shop).

The blowout was always in the main transformer, easily to see through the back ventilation grill.

Some years down the line I come around a disclaimer of a recall notice for such PSU model with problems in the winding of the main transformer.

[bill_c]

Make sure you also change the cord from wall outlet to PSU, and maybe try a different outlet while you are at it. I had a cord once that was made of steel wire although it seemed to work fine for cheap computer.

[celly67]

I built my niece a computer about 6 years ago. Over the past year, my sister has had to replace the power supply multiple times and is about to do so again. The computer works fine before the PSU blows. The house they live in is very old and the wiring is outdated and not up to code. Could faulty wiring cause this? What are some typical causes? My niece is severely autistic and uses the computer as an outlet. She cannot be without it for long, so this needs to be fixed promptly and completely.

hello
yes faulty wiring in house could cause such repeated power supplier failures but inadequate ventilation and power surges also contributed majorly in this.

[jonpaul]

lightning, inductive load kickback on same circuti, nearby industrial eg auto body, weleding on same feeder.

Or just Chinese juk PSU

Higher cost PSU may have better transient protection

j

[Jason Henry]

Yes, faulty wiring in an old house can definitely cause power supply issues. It's important to have a professional electrician inspect and potentially update the wiring to prevent further damage.

[cncjerry]

Caps on the motherboard around the CPU.  Sometimes you can change them out, but give the cost of a motherboard, I would go with a new one.

[jmelson]

My niece is severely autistic and uses the computer as an outlet. She cannot be without it for long, so this needs to be fixed promptly and completely.

   If you MUST have a reliable computer then go buy computer that is 100% made by Dell or one of the other good quality manufacturers. We have no idea what kind of bargain priced, low quality parts that you used when you built the computer or that your sister used when she replaced the PSU. And PRICE is not a measure of Quality so don't even start with that argument. There too many possibly software and hardware incompatibilities to deal with and too much poor quality hardware for anyone to troubleshoot it over the internet. Go buy a Dell or some other computer where all of the parts are known to work together as a system.

YUP!  I have been using Dell Optiplex (their business grade line, as opposed to consumer grade) with excellent results.  One of my main desktop machines was bought used on eBay, I ran it 24x7 for 12 years and then got worried and retired it, it is still running at my mother in law's house!  And, I have had very good results with other Dell desktop machines.
Jon