Is there a way to fix my PSU without returning it to the store?

[Elendrill]

Hello, my Corsair GS600 has been making an annoying noise when the fan is spinning up or down. Here is a video of the probem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2KNdf8OBoQ
I wonder is there is any way to make the fan spin constantly at 7V for example(because when its spinning there is no noise). Is there any way to control my PSU's fan?

 

[manofchalk]

Unless your willing to bust open the PSU and change it yourself (Which I do not recommend, PSU's have capacitors in them than can hold a lethal charge for months after being disconnected from power), no.
Most I can recommend is that you change the PSU or find some way of insulating the noise.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

It's defective , return it right away!

 

[jitpublisher]

^Exactly. Why would you bother spending more time and money trying to fix something that should work flawlessly in the first place? Once you open it up you instantly void the warranty, so if you end up screwing it up completely, you are out the money and the PSU both!

 

[Elendrill]

I agree but i just didnt want to wait 5 days and another problem is that in my local store they most probably have only older versions which will develop the same issue

 

[manofchalk]

Then get a refund on the PSU and buy a different model.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

That's not the best psu , but it's decent , just get a replacement of the same unit.

 

[yhikum]

Only if you know how to repair power circuits and have spare parts for them. You might need schematic as well, to be on safe side.

So you're looking into fairly complicated task of replacing some parts on PCB and do some soldering.

Not many people have tools and even less are prepared to do repairs.

Now, I realized you want to fix your fan to constant speed. You might pull this off by measuring current and voltage it is running and then calculating what resistor would you need to run in sequence with chosen power source (+12 V for example).

 

[Elendrill]

Is it possible to just disconnect the fan from the PSU and connect it into the motherboard?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Just return it. Nobody is going to tell you it's ok to do that.

 

[manofchalk]

Far as I know, there's a 50/50 chance the PSU fan is just soldered directly to the PSU rather than using a proper plug/socket connection (which may not even be the right size).
But either way, to change it would require busting it open, which I don't recommend you do.

If you really want to go down that path, I recommend you just change the fan in there. Most PSU's can accept 120mm fans just fine. If the connection is soldered or the wrong size, you will have to do some wire cutting and soldering to get yours in there.

 

[Max Collodi]

Unless you're experienced working with high voltage devices you should avoid opening a power supply. There is a very good reason why, of all the computers parts, the power supply is the one device where the circuitry is completely enclosed with a case. There have been several documented cases where people have been seriously injured or killed by working inside of a PSU without the proper knowledge.

 

[RetiredChief]

1st - "There have been several documented cases where people have been seriously injured or killed by working inside of a PSU without the proper knowledge"
With the PSU UNPLUGGED (COMMON SENSE), please provide a reference. The ONLY danger is if the PSU is connected to the AC and you come in contact wth the 120 VAC (USA - 220/240 AC for some other countries).
In this case You have to unplug the PUS, remove it to dissassemble to change the fan - dah who would plug the PSU back in to dissasemble.

2nd to correct an incorrect statement: "PSU's have capacitors in them than can hold a lethal charge for months after being disconnected from power)" - Not true - well maybe if you have a pacemaker and try sticking the cap to your chest.
Explanation - Max Capacitor voltage charge in a computer PSU would be less than 24 VDC, Max on an output filter cap would be +12V. Lethal requires a few milliamps for a given time. Body resistance is typically >100Kohms - for most much greater (20V/100 K = 200 uAmps max). DC is Not like AC, with DC the Muscles contract causing your Pinky to "jerk" away VERY fast (PS Most would never know they touched a cap chaged to 12V anyway). I do speak from experience as I've been zapped more than once - highest was approx 30 KV, Not pleasant and yes it set me on the floor.

Concur, if under warranty then RMA it, or return to store for fix/replacement.

1) The noise you are hearing at startup/spin down is a warning that it will probably fail sooner than later, therefore not advisable to just make it run all the time - Replace the Fan.
2) If you opt to replace fan (which is what I would do), not difficult.
... Buy a replacement fan, same size.
... If PSU fan uses a connector that will mate to new fan - what can I say.
... If PSU Fan uses a NON-standard connector, or is soldered on to Board:
a) Cut PSU fan wires about midway.
b) Cut new fan wires to an appropriate length
c) Three options to connect new fan (Observe polarity -wire colors):
... 1) strip & Solder the Fan wires to the old wires and tape.
.... 2) strip & twist together and tape.
... 3) (My choice) Buy some crimp connectors, crimp a male to one end and a female to the other end, and then plug in. Crimp connectors are avail at an auto store for a couple of bucks, Best to use a cheap crimping tool instead of pliers. I always have these connectors around along with a crimping tool as they come in VERY handy for many uses.