[SOLVED] Is it safe to use a recapped PSU for a long time ?

[zwtch_17]

If my PSU smokes and the identified problem is a blown capacitor, replace it and it will function normally. Should I use it for just a short time until I buy a new PSU, or should I use it normally like nothing ever happened?

 

[little_me]

I would say no.
capacitor blew, things happen.
problem is fixed and all would be well except:
you do not know if capacitor damaged other components
you do not know when next capacitor or component will blow
any blown components in PSU can allow harmful voltages/currents to get to rest of computer.
I would look for new PSU, no offense to repair skills but.. too much unknown left in there.

in layman's terms, Bomb has been planted and timer is ticking. no one knows the time though.

 

[USAFRet]

If my PSU smokes and the identified problem is a blown capacitor, replace it and it will function normally. Should I use it for just a short time until I buy a new PSU, or should I use it normally like nothing ever happened?

If the PSU "smokes", you get a new PSU, not a new capacitor.

 

[DSzymborski]

Is this the same garbage "550W" Digital Alliance PSU you were using this winter that was only really a 240W PSU? If so, that PSU isn't even safe when it's working normally.

 

[zwtch_17]

Is this the same garbage "550W" Digital Alliance PSU you were using this winter that was only really a 240W PSU? If so, that PSU isn't even safe when it's working normally.

Nope, this one is an old 2006 380W PSU that rest in my storage for years from my first computer

 

[zwtch_17]

I would say no.
capacitor blew, things happen.
problem is fixed and all would be well except:
you do not know if capacitor damaged other components
you do not know when next capacitor or component will blow
any blown components in PSU can allow harmful voltages/currents to get to rest of computer.
I would look for new PSU, no offense to repair skills but.. too much unknown left in there.

in layman's terms, Bomb has been planted and timer is ticking. no one knows the time though.

Thank you for the insight, sir.

 

[DSzymborski]

Nope, this one is an old 2006 380W PSU that rest in my storage for years from my first computer

God, that sounds even worse somehow.

Do not use this PSU. And I mean this literally; do not ever turn it on again, even if it's not even connected to a PC.

 

[zwtch_17]

God, that sounds even worse somehow.

Do not use this PSU. And I mean this literally; do not ever turn it on again, even if it's not even connected to a PC.

I won't, maybe I will convert it to a variable bench power supply in the future, thank you.