PSU Just Died On Me

I'mThatGuy · 10-21-2008, 05:46 AM

I woke up this morning to find my PSU had died on me... It was:

RAIDMAX VOLCANO RX-630A 630W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply - Retail

From Newegg. I purchsed it november 2006, and I keep my computer on most of the time. What should i get to replace it? Specs to the left. =)

Nothing toooooo fancy or expensive please. Looking at 100,150 top end if possible

**tecknomage** · 10-21-2008, 02:07 PM

PSUs do go bad. The one you had sounds OK by spec.

Your system is likely operating at the mid-range load on the PSU (system uses 350w, PSU can supply 630w, for example) which is very good. Operating a PSU in mid-range should make it last longer and voltages will be very stable.

By the way, keeping your system on all the time you ARE risking burnout. Electronics don't last forever. Is there a specific reason why you keep it on all the time?

Also, are you online all the time

IF you are, you are maximizing your system exposure to malware.

There is NO anti-malware tool (Antivirus or Anti-Spyware) that can protect you against malware they do not know about. Norton Antivirus distributes Definition Updates once a day, in the morning, but that means if malware gets on the net BEFORE they know about it and provide the detection/fix you can get the malware on your system. The BEST protection is NOT to be online all the time. Of course, if your system is off you are not online.

I'mThatGuy · 10-21-2008, 02:26 PM

I keep it on all the time because there are lots of times I need to sit down and do something quickly then continue on my way, and I can't wait a few minutes to power it up each time I wish to do something like that. Turning it off overnight is something I really should do, though. Are you aware of any way to "auto-boot-up" at a specific time?

I understand my malware exposure, and how protection works. I'm always very careful about where I go, what I download, what I view, etc. I keep my anti-malware programs up and updated, as well as scan frequently. I reformat every few months, half a year max, and beleive myself to be relatively well-informed. I appreciate your concern.

Anyways, I just ordered http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

The increased wattage is due to it having such a high rating, similar price, and my adding some new drives and fans to my computer recently. Mainly for the 5star 300+ ratings, though.

Thanks for the interest,
Guy

10-21-2008, 05:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
I'mThatGuy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mass, USA Posts: 144 OS: Windows XP My System	PSU Just Died On Me I woke up this morning to find my PSU had died on me... It was: RAIDMAX VOLCANO RX-630A 630W ATX12V V2.2/ EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Modular LED Power Supply - Retail From Newegg. I purchsed it november 2006, and I keep my computer on most of the time. What should i get to replace it? Specs to the left. =) Nothing toooooo fancy or expensive please. Looking at 100,150 top end if possible

10-21-2008, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
tecknomage TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 928 OS: WinXP Pro SP3	Re: PSU Just Died On Me PSUs do go bad. The one you had sounds OK by spec. Your system is likely operating at the mid-range load on the PSU (system uses 350w, PSU can supply 630w, for example) which is very good. Operating a PSU in mid-range should make it last longer and voltages will be very stable. By the way, keeping your system on all the time you ARE risking burnout. Electronics don't last forever. Is there a specific reason why you keep it on all the time? Also, are you online all the time IF you are, you are maximizing your system exposure to malware. There is NO anti-malware tool (Antivirus or Anti-Spyware) that can protect you against malware they do not know about. Norton Antivirus distributes Definition Updates once a day, in the morning, but that means if malware gets on the net BEFORE they know about it and provide the detection/fix you can get the malware on your system. The BEST protection is NOT to be online all the time. Of course, if your system is off you are not online. __________________ Tecknomage Computer System Specialist IT Technician

10-21-2008, 02:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
I'mThatGuy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mass, USA Posts: 144 OS: Windows XP My System	Re: PSU Just Died On Me I keep it on all the time because there are lots of times I need to sit down and do something quickly then continue on my way, and I can't wait a few minutes to power it up each time I wish to do something like that. Turning it off overnight is something I really should do, though. Are you aware of any way to "auto-boot-up" at a specific time? I understand my malware exposure, and how protection works. I'm always very careful about where I go, what I download, what I view, etc. I keep my anti-malware programs up and updated, as well as scan frequently. I reformat every few months, half a year max, and beleive myself to be relatively well-informed. I appreciate your concern. Anyways, I just ordered http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 The increased wattage is due to it having such a high rating, similar price, and my adding some new drives and fans to my computer recently. Mainly for the 5star 300+ ratings, though. Thanks for the interest, Guy