Question PSU Exploded - Need Help to Find the Cause

[cliffflip]

Hi,

I have 2 unfortunate incidents where 2 different PSUs of my HTPC exploded in less than a year. I use a case where the PSU is mounted vertically and also with an extension cable for the AC power. I need help with whether this configuration is the cause, or at least contributed to both incidents. Below is the picture of the top view of the case:

They exploded seconds after I powered up the PC. I'm pretty sure it was the PSU because I saw sparks from its location (also a bit of smoke from the 1st incident). I've checked the other components and they seem fine (no burn mark, etc), although I haven't tried to power it up again because I don't have a spare PSU.

The case is a Cube Gaming Axel, the mesh version. PSUs are (or were) Seasonic S12II 430w and Enermax Naxn 500w. Both are non-modular and I needed to bend the cables on the other side to make them fit.

What's likely the cause of the explosions? Besides buying a new PSU, do I also need to buy a different case?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Lutfij]

2 different PSUs of my HTPC exploded in less than a year
Might want to list the full specs to your HTPC like so:
CPU:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
you've mentioned the two PSU's that suffered but please include the age of the units as well and what they might've powered prior to their demise.

I needed to bend the cables on the other side to make them fit.
Might want to include images of the bend you speak of.

 

[SkyNetRising]

List specs of your system.

Can you show photo of your system with side panel removed?
How many fans installed?
Have you checked cpu and gpu operating temperatures at idle/full load?

 

[scout_03]

list all parts in system and bending psu cables might not have help putting stress on the inside connector you could get a better case and modular psu i would also check the extension cable and outlet for wiring that could also not help .

 

[DSzymborski]

Yeah, definitely need to see the specs of this PC. Because when PSUs are exploding, it's important to know how they were being used, especially when neither PSU is even remotely a quality one.

 

[drivinfast247]

Are the motherboard stand-offs is their correct locations? Did you use cable extensions?

 

[cliffflip]

Thank you for the replies.

Here are the specs:
CPU: Core i3 10105F
Motherboard: MSI B560M-A PRO
Ram: Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 2x8GB
SSD/HDD: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB + 2x4GB WDC Red
GPU: AMD RX 550
PSU: Seasonic S12II 430w and Enermax Naxn 500w
Chassis: Cube Gaming Axel
OS: Windows 11
Monitor: Standard LG 23" + Sony Bravia 55"

you've mentioned the two PSU's that suffered but please include the age of the units as well and what they might've powered prior to their demise.

Both PSUs were in use on different PCs for at least 2 years in normal use, no higher than 3 years. The Enermax 500W once powered a PC with Ryzen 1700 and GTX 1070 for a short time, before I switched to a higher wattage unit.

How many fans installed?
Have you checked cpu and gpu operating temperatures at idle/full load?

An Arctic P12 each for intake (side) and exhaust (top).
I didn't check the temp at least a couple of months prior to the incidents but the last time it was around 40-50c. The PC was mostly idle.

list all parts in system and bending psu cables might not have help putting stress on the inside connector you could get a better case and modular psu i would also check the extension cable and outlet for wiring that could also not help .

Are the motherboard stand-offs is their correct locations? Did you use cable extensions?

Besides the AC cable extension from the case, I only use a standard power strip (without a surge protector). Motherboard standoffs are correct and the wiring I think is properly grounded. The case is almost entirely metal and I didn't feel the electricity when touching the metal parts.

 

[helper800]

When need to replace the PSU after you find out what is going on, something like this will be reliable, small enough, and fully modular.

PCPartPicker Part List

Power Supply: Corsair RM750e 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $94.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-03-01 13:43 EST-0500

 

[drivinfast247]

Thank you for the replies.

Here are the specs:
CPU: Core i3 10105F
Motherboard: MSI B560M-A PRO
Ram: Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 2x8GB
SSD/HDD: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB + 2x4GB WDC Red
GPU: AMD RX 550
PSU: Seasonic S12II 430w and Enermax Naxn 500w
Chassis: Cube Gaming Axel
OS: Windows 11
Monitor: Standard LG 23" + Sony Bravia 55"

Both PSUs were in use on different PCs for at least 2 years in normal use, no higher than 3 years. The Enermax 500W once powered a PC with Ryzen 1700 and GTX 1070 for a short time, before I switched to a higher wattage unit.



An Arctic P12 each for intake (side) and exhaust (top).
I didn't check the temp at least a couple of months prior to the incidents but the last time it was around 40-50c. The PC was mostly idle.





Besides the AC cable extension from the case, I only use a standard power strip (without a surge protector). Motherboard standoffs are correct and the wiring I think is properly grounded. The case is almost entirely metal and I didn't feel the electricity when touching the metal parts.

I would pull everything out of the case and assemble on a table before trying a new PSU.

 

[randyh121]

Get a UPS

 

[scout_03]

get a power strip with a surge protector since it happens on 2 psu you might have power surge in your home and the breadboarding will help for test ,

 

[sonofjesse]

Houston you have a big problem!!

 

[cliffflip]

Thanks for all the help. I’ve pulled out all parts, checked them thoroughly, and tested them with a borrowed psu. All is well.

I’ll buy a good psu and a power strip with surge protector asap.