Acer ax3400g-u4802 random shutoff -PSU?

[nightowl323]

My Acer ax3400g-u4802 randomly shuts off. No warning, no BSOD, no restart... just off like I forgot to pay the power bill. Sometimes the numlock light on the keyboard remains lit. A simple press of the power button gets things moving again... for a while. Sometimes it doesn't even get past loading Windows, other times I can get 45 minutes of runtime. At first I suspected overheating, so cleaned and temps idle well in the acceptable range for a slimline case, around 35C. Only hits 48C under full load after 20 minutes. Sometimes shutdown happens even at 35C, so it doesn't seem heat related.


I have seen some people complain about this symptom in reviews for this machine, but people send it off for repair so I have no idea what the fix was. I suspect PSU and I really have no need to up-size it... just want as close to an OEM replacement as possible. Does anyone know where I can find a PSU to bolt right up to this thing? PSU seems somewhat specialized in the shape and how it mounts.

Also welcome ideas on what other failing components could cause this issue. If it were RAM I would expect BSOD and memory references once and a while. No odd MB beeps, self-check is fine.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Can you get a model number off the PSU? If so, I can provide you with a link to a suitable replacement. I agree it's most likely the PSU. Usually RAM problems will result in errors before freezing or shutting down. Or, it just won't boot or recognize the RAM. Plus the Acer units come with cheap PSUs from the start. I can't find specs as to the exact form factor of the PSU for your model. I know it's a small form factor PC but it could have a proprietary PSU, a micro ATX, an SFX or an ITX PSU so I just don't know without some exact specs or a model number.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Also, if you're plugged into a power strip or UPS, try it plugged directly into the wall. Power strips are common sources of trouble.

 

[nightowl323]

The existing PSU is made by Chicony, model CPB09-D220E.
I will try plugging directly into the wall and see if that helps.

Can you get a model number off the PSU? If so, I can provide you with a link to a suitable replacement. I agree it's most likely the PSU. Usually RAM problems will result in errors before freezing or shutting down. Or, it just won't boot or recognize the RAM. Plus the Acer units come with cheap PSUs from the start. I can't find specs as to the exact form factor of the PSU for your model. I know it's a small form factor PC but it could have a proprietary PSU, a micro ATX, an SFX or an ITX PSU so I just don't know without some exact specs or a model number.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Chicony is so obscure it's not even on the PSU Tier list in any capacity good, bad or otherwise. That's generally a bad thing. Pretty much every branded PSU made has at least an appearance on the tier whether they're of poor quality or not.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

Considering that it's a unit made for Acer's pre-built systems and most pre-built systems come with crappy PSUs, I'd have to assume that's a crappy PSU as well. So that drastically increases the likelihood that the PSU is to blame. With the symptoms it's displaying and what it is, I'd almost surely say that's a bad PSU. I'd replace it with something at least Tier 3 from the list if the system is completely stock, or something from Tier 2b or above if you have a discrete graphics card installed. Also, it seems that's likely a mini-ITX motherboard and may also need a small form factor PSU so you need to check around and double check that first. I don't think a standard ATX power supply will fit in your case and there's a good chance the motherboard power connector may be different as well.

I think one of these two will work, but you need to verify the dimensions and power connector to the motherboard to be sure.:

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/compare/athena-power-power-supply-apmfatx35%2Cathena-power-power-supply-apmfatx40/

 

[nightowl323]

I have linked to photos of the suspect PSU, the Athena was a little different shape, and the way the case is shaped, I think the 120V plug will not be able to plug in... looks like I may need to get the dremel out to make the Athena fit. Is that normal? Why are there so many different form factors?!?
The rear of the PSU where the fan and 120V plug measures 3-1/2" x 2" if that helps ID this monstrosity. She sits about 8" deep into the system.
The power connector to MB is a P1 sitting alongside a P5 connector, with an additional P2 connector on the other end. Then just one P3 and one P4 for CD ROM and HDD.

http://

and

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[Darkbreeze]

The Athena is 3.2" x 1.7" x 6". I believe it will fit and being exactly the same isn't an issue as long as it fits, bolts up to the mounting holes and has the same motherboard connectors. I can't find ANYTHING that matches up exactly to the Chicony. You might need to contact Acer and ask them what form factor your PC accepts. There are many different ones for different setups. Micro-ATX, ATX (Most common), mini-ITX, Flex-ATX, EPS, SFX, etc. Since you have a small form factor pc it really depends on the motherboard and case.

The problem is, ACER is EXTREMELY sketchy when it comes to supplying specifications and parts information so it's almost impossible to find anything on their units sometimes.