PSU smoke and burning smell

[Cozza]

So today was a pretty sad day. My new build just went up in smoke (the psu did). The only thing is I can't figure out the cause. This is my build:

Case - NZXT s340
cpu - intel core i5 4690k
Graphics Card - EVGA GeForce GTX 960 SuperSC
Power Supply - Corsair builder series CXM 600W
Motherboard - Asus maximus VI GENE

The weird thing with this is that the psu suddenly went up in smoke after I connected the 2 case fans to the system, I turned the system back off in about 2 seconds after the huge cloud of smoke burst out . I had already installed windows and most of my drivers for the motherboard, gpu and ssd with everything running very smoothly so I thought I was in the all clear. I can't tell if the 2 fans tipped the psu over it's limit or maybe just a technical failure?

 

[Ubrales]

Fans draw very little power; about 8 watts each.

Something must have shorted out in the PSU and released the magic smoke. Replace the PSU - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Get a PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

 

[Chester Rico]

I've heard the Corsair CX series sucks, this only confirms it.

Return it as faulty, get your money back and buy a decent one.

 

[bignastyid]

You're not alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj8-wNmYJvM

 

[Cozza]

Fans draw very little power; about 8 watts each.

Something must have shorted out in the PSU and released the magic smoke. Replace the PSU - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Get a PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Thank you, I'm relieved that it is likely not of my own fault, do you know if it is likely that any other parts could of been damaged in the process?

 

[Cozza]

I've heard the Corsair CX series sucks, this only confirms it.

Return it as faulty, get your money back and buy a decent one.

Thanks for your response. So a 600W is more than enough for my build? What kind of price range am I looking at for a good quality psu at that wattage or what I ideally need?

 

[bignastyid]

Fans draw very little power; about 8 watts each.

Something must have shorted out in the PSU and released the magic smoke. Replace the PSU - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Get a PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Thank you, I'm relieved that it is likely not of my own fault, do you know if it is likely that any other parts could of been damaged in the process?

While the CXs are known to fail often they aren't known for damaging hardware. They cheaped out on the caps but not the protection.

 

[Ubrales]

Fans draw very little power; about 8 watts each.

Something must have shorted out in the PSU and released the magic smoke. Replace the PSU - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Get a PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Thank you, I'm relieved that it is likely not of my own fault, do you know if it is likely that any other parts could of been damaged in the process?

Probably not! You mentioned that you shut the PC down in a couple of seconds. That helps.

The only sure way to tell is with a new reliable PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2 from the list I posted.

A great PSU to get is the XFX 550 watts PSU.

Don't forget to RMA the one that burned out!

 

[bignastyid]

I've heard the Corsair CX series sucks, this only confirms it.

Return it as faulty, get your money back and buy a decent one.

Thanks for your response. So a 600W is more than enough for my build? What kind of price range am I looking at for a good quality psu at that wattage or what I ideally need?

A good 500w unit would easily be enough for your build.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/antec-power-supply-hcg520m

 

[Ubrales]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013&cm_re=xfx_550_watts_PSU-_-17-207-013-_-Product

 

[Cozza]

Fans draw very little power; about 8 watts each.

Something must have shorted out in the PSU and released the magic smoke. Replace the PSU - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

Get a PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2.

Thank you, I'm relieved that it is likely not of my own fault, do you know if it is likely that any other parts could of been damaged in the process?

Probably not! You mentioned that you shut the PC down in a couple of seconds. That helps.

The only sure way to tell is with a new reliable PSU from Tier 1 or Tier 2 from the list I posted.

A great PSU to get is the XFX 550 watts PSU.

Don't forget to RMA the one that burned out!

Thanks again and will do! My previous build was a £300 pre built so it was a bit of a shock when it went up in smoke. Happy it hasn't all gone to waste

 

[Chester Rico]

I've heard the Corsair CX series sucks, this only confirms it.

Return it as faulty, get your money back and buy a decent one.

Thanks for your response. So a 600W is more than enough for my build? What kind of price range am I looking at for a good quality psu at that wattage or what I ideally need?

600W is great for that CPU & GPU, yes.

I would assume $80-100 is a reasonable price range for those.

I'm not gonna recommend a specific brand, since I used to recommend Corsair for a long time.
But apparently they explode now.

 

[Ubrales]

Corsair HX, AX, AXi series are great! My HX 850 is on its seventh year, and my AX 850 is in its third year - with zero issues. Both are OEM by Seasonic.

 

[Cozza]

Corsair HX, AX, AXi series are great! My HX 850 is on its seventh year, and my AX 850 is in its third year - with zero issues. Both are OEM by Seasonic.

Trying to keep the price still roughly equivalent, I think I may go with the EVGA Supernova b2 since it's in the tier 2 section and should hopefully be a lot safer than before. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LMAUZ5C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE If you think there are any issues with it please tell me :S

Edit: Actually only just noticed the G2 so I'm considering that if the difference is worth it?

 

[Ubrales]

Tier 1 or Tier 2 would be ideal. Tier 3 is also acceptable. Pick whatever fits your budget.

The EVGA Supernova 750 watts B2 that you linked (Amazon) is in Tier 2 and will work very well.

 

[Cozza]

Tier 1 or Tier 2 would be ideal. Tier 3 is also acceptable. Pick whatever fits your budget.

The EVGA Supernova 750 watts B2 that you linked (Amazon) is in Tier 2 and will work very well.

Finally made my mind up . Decided to go with the G2 just because of its 10 year warranty and generally considered better from what I gathered. Thank you very much for helping me out!