Bad PSU twice?

[kesuzenski]

I recently built a computer and it ran for 20 minutes before rebooting itself and the PSU billowing smoke. (Corsair 750rmi)

Enter new PSU (Corsair 850rmi) twenty minutes while I tried to start getting used to unbuntu. Restart, smell of smoke, but no obvious smoke this time. Have System shut off and awaiting a plan.

Should I try another Corsair? Just buy something else? Is it possible I have done something causing PSU problems?

When I have turned it on both times, it has worked splendidly. Fires right up and goes to desktop. Only weird thing I noticed was when I put my mouse cursor over the left side Ubuntu icons it will freeze for a moment. Assume that's unrelated but just in case...

System components, all purchased new, all put together in April. No overclocking. I'm not gaming (planning on some video editing) and just wanted a solid system running well below it's capacity.

Intel 8700k 8th gen
Corsair vengance LPX pc4-21300 (2x16GB)
Msi gaming M5 z370
Samsung 500gb SSD 860 pro
Seagate baracuda 2TB SATA 64mb cache 7200rpm
Cooler master masterbox lite 5 RGB case
Coolermaster MA410p 4 heat pipe RGB fan 120mm (installed with minimal thermal but not electrically conductive paste)
Corsair 750rmi, now 850rmi PSU.

As a side note I haven't built a computer in 15 years. Normally I'd just pay, but turns out the whole mining thing has prices way up, so I thought it would be fun. Turns out not so much.

 

[CountMike]

Something else may have been damaged in first occurrence.

 

[kesuzenski]

Something else may have been damaged in first occurrence.

Ahh. I should have been more specific--although it brings up another question. Since I did not have a known good PSU or a trusted hardware guy to bring it too, as well as many of the components coming from Fys's, I took it to them and had them test it. Said everything was peachy keen except the PSU. But then, I don't know the quality of their work? Should I trust them?

I'm buying another PSU from someone other than Corsair (EVGA?). I'll make Corsair warranty another one because they owe me a good one, but I can't keep putting PSU's that BBQ themselves in. If I haven't lost component(s) this time (or last time I guess) I'm just lucky. I'll likely throw the new one Corsair sends in the trash and make a video of it. I just checked the stand offs and mother board to ensure no shorts, and the whole setup, wiring included.... oh crap.

Not wiring included. Fry's disconnected the wires I had in the case, and used their own. I was trusting that the cables were good because of their tests, but I had to plug power back into everything. Could I have a cable with a short? Would that BBQ a PSU? Damn, and I liked my cables. Oh well. Going to change all those with new PSU stuff, but I never even thought of that until now. Crap crap crap.

Here's hoping that I don't have to start replacing components after my new PSU.

 

[CountMike]

I never dealt with Fry's so I can't say anything about them but any serious electronics/computer parts company should have a good service and return/warranty policy.
As far as PSUs go, EVGA seems to make good units for acceptable price but as usual they also make various models graded by usage and application. Seasonic makes probably best PSU and their parts can be found in many other brands
http://www.10stripe.com/articles/who-made-your-power-supply.php
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913.html
It's not clear if you used some cables other than ones that came with PSU ? Some custom ones maybe ?

 

[helpstar]

only use the PSU´s original cables, others will burn down your house, if you are unlucky. Modular PSUs doesn´t use standard connections and wirings. Modular cables and pinouts can be different from other brands or even other models from the same brand (unlikely but still possible) and will be fatal to your components.

 

[kesuzenski]

Thanks so much for replying again.

Fry's wont warranty or let me return because I bought the components during my business busy season and didn't get to putting it together for over 30 days. I have to play with the manufactures direct. Sigh.

The cables that came with the Coolermaster case and the Corsair PSU are almost indistinguishable. Black with nylon webbed sheathing. I know some came with the case and were very nicely routed through. I had to route a couple, but I think I pulled all those as per Corsair's warranty requirements of returning all cables. I "like" my cables because they are all carefully routed, and zip tied. I used to be a mechanic and still keep all sorts of wire routing ties around cause I hate messes, so the ones not already routed nicely and zip tied got the same treatment from me (with care because car components get grumpy about broken or shorted wires too). Oh well. I was vaguely thinking of getting a set of ones to match my RGB colors.

If you think Seasonic makes the best I'll buy one. I'm planing on going 750-850 gold rated on whatever. I may end up expanding and adding a video card if I need it, and want to make sure I can do so. Also, I was always ready to spend on a PSU. I thought I was with the RMI line, but it looks like Seasonics are $30-$50 more, and for more quality I am 100 percent in. Thank you for the recommendation.

Last question, because this was supposed to be for one of my work projects, my laptop isn't cutting it, and it isn't fun anymore. How do I find a good computer person to pay to take care of this for me. I just want the thing working. I'm in phoenix Arizona if locality matters. Totally get it if that question is kinda not your area.

 

[kesuzenski]

only use the PSU´s original cables, others will burn down your house, if you are unlucky. Modular PSUs doesn´t use standard connections and wirings. Modular cables and pinouts can be different from other brands or even other models from the same brand (unlikely but still possible) and will be fatal to your components.

Thanks Helpstar! I used original PSU, or the coolermaster case ones (which I may remove now--I like the house just fine). I also did get a modular power supply and read the instructions. The ones I noticed really were discussing 24 or 20 pins for the motherboard so I had no trouble there. Are there other common mistakes I could have made that I should look for? I'm looking at the picture on the box and I am trying to think where I could have gone wrong. Sata goes to my HD, 24 pin to my MB, I have an 8 pin cpu power connector.. I'll double check tomorrow but any common bonehead errors you can alert me to would be appreciated!

Wait, no-- I was missing the point. I see what you are saying. I'll pull all the wires and just start again with the PSU ones. Got it. Thanks.

 

[CountMike]

Thanks so much for replying again.

Fry's wont warranty or let me return because I bought the components during my business busy season and didn't get to putting it together for over 30 days. I have to play with the manufactures direct. Sigh.

The cables that came with the Coolermaster case and the Corsair PSU are almost indistinguishable. Black with nylon webbed sheathing. I know some came with the case and were very nicely routed through. I had to route a couple, but I think I pulled all those as per Corsair's warranty requirements of returning all cables. I "like" my cables because they are all carefully routed, and zip tied. I used to be a mechanic and still keep all sorts of wire routing ties around cause I hate messes, so the ones not already routed nicely and zip tied got the same treatment from me (with care because car components get grumpy about broken or shorted wires too). Oh well. I was vaguely thinking of getting a set of ones to match my RGB colors.

If you think Seasonic makes the best I'll buy one. I'm planing on going 750-850 gold rated on whatever. I may end up expanding and adding a video card if I need it, and want to make sure I can do so. Also, I was always ready to spend on a PSU. I thought I was with the RMI line, but it looks like Seasonics are $30-$50 more, and for more quality I am 100 percent in. Thank you for the recommendation.

Last question, because this was supposed to be for one of my work projects, my laptop isn't cutting it, and it isn't fun anymore. How do I find a good computer person to pay to take care of this for me. I just want the thing working. I'm in phoenix Arizona if locality matters. Totally get it if that question is kinda not your area.

@helpstar is right, never use cables that are not meant for that particular make and model of PSU. They may look same and even fit in the PSU but subtle changes in contact arraignment cam make a lot of problems, that's why I asked. There are companies that make custom cables for many (semi)modular PSUs like https://cablemod.com/introducing-cablemod/ and they require information about exact model to make/sell their cables.
Another thing, many forget or don't pay much attention with PSUs (other than power output) but it is one of most or even most critical component. Other components may just not fit or in case of misuse may just not work but wrong PSU or wrong installation/connection can do partial or total damage to whole machine in a flash (yeah, it's a pun).

 

[Rexper]

Seasonic makes probably best PSU and their parts can be found in many other brands

That is BS at its finest. Seasonic makes some crap PSUs like the S12ii and M12ii (atleast with current pricing and modern systems), some overpriced ones, and some high end PSUs. And they aren't a big manufactuer so not all units are in-house build, meaning quality control isn't great.

And the best PSU on the market would be the Corsair AX1600i, reviewed by one of the best PSU reviewers out there: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-ax1600i-psu,5406-12.html
"The Corsair AX1600i is the best PSU that money can buy today, period."

I agree that PSU cables shouldn't be mixed up, unless you know what you're doing. Because they have different pin-outs between models.

 

[CountMike]

BS it is not, Seasonic makes some of most wanted server and other serious application PSU and not for computers only. Sure, they make some low end models but so does everybody. And please, don't tel me that he needs 1600W PSU.

 

[Rexper]

Sure, they make some low end models but so does everybody.

Which is exactly why you can’t say Seasonic brand is better than others, or any psu brand for that matter.

And please, don't tel me that he needs 1600W PSU.

And you’re telling me they need a server PSU?

You stated Seasonic creates the best PSUs, which is wrong, or at least very misleading because the best in terms of quality and performance is the Corsair AX1600i.

There is a right tool for the right job. Choose a power supply model based on your components, budget, and market/pricing. Brand doesn’t have anything to do with that.

 

[helpstar]

https://geizhals.de/seasonic-focus-plus-gold-650w-atx-2-4-ssr-650fx-a1658737.html?hloc=de

10years of warranty

 

[gosubuilder]

only use the PSU´s original cables, others will burn down your house, if you are unlucky. Modular PSUs doesn´t use standard connections and wirings. Modular cables and pinouts can be different from other brands or even other models from the same brand (unlikely but still possible) and will be fatal to your components.

on a related note, what about cablemod cable extensions?

also what aboutFull cable kits from cablemod?

 

[helpstar]

If the exact model of the power supply is stated to be compatible, it should work
But personally I would compare extension and original cable, so no wire is crossed or ends up to another pin than the original one.