Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu

ggonzalez777 · 10-06-2009, 12:22 PM

Hello forum,

This is a pretty interesting story. I wanted a new video card so I could take advantage of the new Nvidia/Windows 7 GPU/CPU processing that was announced a few weeks ago. Plus I really like using animated wallpapers(dreamscapes rock!!!). So I went out and bought a Nvidia 9400GT 1GB video card. Didn't want anything crazy since I don't really play games or such. I installed it and it works ok. Then I started to get a weird burning odor coming from the computer. I thought it was the video card but the card is cool as fall. So I checked the power supply and it reeked when i smelt it. I figured it was getting overworked so I checked Nvidia web page and saw that the card required a 300W min PSU. So I went ahead and bought a 500W Coolmax PSU. I again installed and it works well but, don don DOOOOOON!!!!, the smell from hell returned. I couldn't believe it, the smell is disorienting. Not only that but now my CPU fan ramps up the longer I use my computer. I used Speedfan to check my rpms and it goes up to 4000!! It's so loud and my temps read 55-65C sometimes 70. I have a P4 Cedar Mills at 3.2GHz and I've researched that the CPU is known for being a hot potato and that explains the ginormous heat sink / tower. But before installing the PSU it wouldn't be that loud except on startup. Now I'm going out to buy a quieter fan. I just wonder if maybe I have another problem unbeknown to me. The smell is bad and now i smell it every time I'm near any computer. I'm tempted to plug a glade apple cinnamon or something to mask the smell but I don't want to cover a dead pig in silk if you know what I mean. Somebody help me please? My last option is to go to a computer repair center to analyze the issue but like the forum's motto reads: "We are offering free computer tech support for everyone." I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot the problem. I'm a electronics technician with many years of experience so please be as explicit as possible. Thank you in advance.

**speedster123** · 10-06-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

bought a 500W Coolmax PSU

this is a low quality supply-
Power Supply Information and Selection

ggonzalez777 · 10-06-2009, 01:00 PM

Dang it. So you recommend changing it? Even with the increase in wattage? How would the sped up CPU fan be explained?

ggonzalez777 · 10-06-2009, 01:19 PM

One other question. How long *sniff sniff* does my PSU have before it causes damage? I wouldn't be able to get another PSU for at least 3 months. Especially since I plan on getting the Coolermaster Real Power Pro 650 watt.

**greenbrucelee** · 10-06-2009, 01:44 PM

Your psu could already be doing damage.

When a PSU starts to fail especially cheap bad brand models it will eventually start to cause intermittent errors like shutdowns, ram damage etc etc.

The can also cause abnormal voltages which create heat which is probably why your cpu fan is working really hard.

Can you get into the bios? If so post your temperatures and voltages on here

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 05:09 AM

In bios I read a 32-34C temp measurement, didn't see a voltage reading. I'll have to download speedfan again when I get home. I do remember seeing a 12.74V on the 12V rail when I first started the program. and a -16V on the -12V rail. Well the CPU fan hasn't been loud as of late even with me running high cpu intensive programs. But the smell continues. I worry that I'm going to start spending a lot of money on a problem that is going to continue even if I replace my PSU with a another one. But I will try to get it ASAP.

**FreoHeaveho** · 10-07-2009, 08:09 AM

I know this forum doesn't recommend low quality units, and I agree, however I am concerned that the PSU isn't the problem here. If the PSU has once already been changed and it continues to make this smell, then it would be very unlikely to be the PSU as a problem. Secondly, that PSU has around 36A on the 12V rail (EPS) so it has plenty of amperage for a 9400 and that system in all probablility.

My advice is, before you get a new PSU (AGAIN), is to do a complete rebuild, checking for motherboard standoffs, dust, correct thermal paste application and wire insulation damage. I would then check the 12V rail under load with a multimeter to check it is within specs (give that you are an electronics tech).

Voltage Rail Tolerance
+5VDC ± 5 %
-5VDC (if used) ± 10 %
+12VDC ± 5 %
-12VDC ± 10 %
+3.3VDC ± 5 %
+5VSB ± 5 %

Then and only then would i recommend ANOTHER PSU.

HawMan · 10-07-2009, 08:19 AM

I would take the heatsink off the CPU and redo the thermal paste with arctic silver 5.

**FreoHeaveho** · 10-07-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawMan

I would take the heatsink off the CPU and redo the thermal paste with arctic silver 5.

i too think this will be the issue.

**greenbrucelee** · 10-07-2009, 09:29 AM

The reason why I have said it could be the PSU is because I have had this issue myself. But it's best to cover all bases.

clean all dust away from inside the case and from fans.
Take the heatsink off and clean the heatsink base with 90% isopropyl alcohol
Clean the CPU with 90% isopropyl alcohol (or you can use arti clean from both)
Redo the paste on the cpu and attach the heatsink and make sure it's properly attached.

Can you describe this smell?

When a PSU starts to burn out the only way I can describe it as burnt fish n chips soaked in vinegar and slightly rubbery.

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 10:04 AM

And who says there's no compassion in the world!!!!! Thanks guys I will get right on it. If it helps, I have added a few things like another DVD-ROM drive and 2 DD2 553MHz 1GB RAM sticks. I checked on a PC wattage calculator and adding up all my components and the 30% it still only adds up to 310W. You know, come to think of it, I recall seeing the thermal paste very dried up on the CPU. That could be a problem. Question, what's the -12V rail for? I can't think of a reason for a reverse voltage rail unless it was being used as a reference voltage. Also, I sorta, kinda, in a way bumped some caps when I removed the metal strip closing the PCI-E expansion bay. I checked the components and they seemed ok. These caps were near a BGA chip in front of the PCI-E16x slot. I'll have to take it out and analyze it under a microscope. My motherboard is a 945GCT-HM if anyone can find out what that chip is that would be great. I looked under the supplier's site but they didn't identify and I also went under HP's site for the motherboard specs and there is some lettering in the picture provided but its unreadable.

**greenbrucelee** · 10-07-2009, 10:11 AM

sounds like you mean capacitors. If any are bent, look like they are collapsing on themselves or are leaking then your motherboard is damaged.

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 10:16 AM

The smell is not poignant, nor does it smell plasticky. It's more like metal heating up, but yet my PSU is cool to the touch. I managed the PSU cables so there is no obstruction in front the PSU fan. I recently cleaned all the fans in my PC.

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 10:22 AM

Yea, I'm just used to tech talk I did mean capacitors. Well, these capacitors are SMT not electrolytic. The worst I can think that could happen is that the BGA would not get powered, not start to pull more current unless the other capacitors are overstressed and begin to compensate. Pulling more current would definitely make me think the PSU is getting overworked. Like I said I'll have to look at them more closely to determine the damage. If worse comes to worse, i could remove the mobo and take it to my tech bench and retouch the solder connections. I love troubleshooting!!!

**greenbrucelee** · 10-07-2009, 10:24 AM

I would do that but get a torch and shine on on the mobo, see if they are any burn marks or grey staining.

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 10:27 AM

None that I noticed. I still don't know what that chip functions as, but I'll continue looking. Definitely have to check my voltage rails. Maybe even determine my PC's overall wattage usage with some simple math.

**greenbrucelee** · 10-07-2009, 10:33 AM

Before I replaced my smelly psu it was also cool to the touch.

I worked it out that it was the psu because I powerd down the system with the side of the case and put my nose right above the psu fan and that was were the smell was coming from.

Then I tested it with a multimeter and came to the conclusion that was about to die.

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 11:14 AM

What did you measure? I suspect the 3.3V or the 5V rail since that's what most BGA chips operate on.

**greenbrucelee** · 10-07-2009, 01:31 PM

Yes, you put the probes in the ATX connection on the mobo

ggonzalez777 · 10-07-2009, 02:16 PM

Ok I'm home now and installed Speedfan and these are my voltages and temps:

Vcore1: 1.15V
Vocre2: 1.49V
+3.3V: 3.34V
+5V: 5.08V
+12V: 12.29V
-12V: -16.56V
-5V: -6.51V
+5V: 5.03V

GPU: 49C
Temp3(CPU): 23C
Temp1(Case): 33C

The negative voltage rails seem way off. Can anyone make sense of this data?

10-06-2009, 12:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Hello forum, This is a pretty interesting story. I wanted a new video card so I could take advantage of the new Nvidia/Windows 7 GPU/CPU processing that was announced a few weeks ago. Plus I really like using animated wallpapers(dreamscapes rock!!!). So I went out and bought a Nvidia 9400GT 1GB video card. Didn't want anything crazy since I don't really play games or such. I installed it and it works ok. Then I started to get a weird burning odor coming from the computer. I thought it was the video card but the card is cool as fall. So I checked the power supply and it reeked when i smelt it. I figured it was getting overworked so I checked Nvidia web page and saw that the card required a 300W min PSU. So I went ahead and bought a 500W Coolmax PSU. I again installed and it works well but, don don DOOOOOON!!!!, the smell from hell returned. I couldn't believe it, the smell is disorienting. Not only that but now my CPU fan ramps up the longer I use my computer. I used Speedfan to check my rpms and it goes up to 4000!! It's so loud and my temps read 55-65C sometimes 70. I have a P4 Cedar Mills at 3.2GHz and I've researched that the CPU is known for being a hot potato and that explains the ginormous heat sink / tower. But before installing the PSU it wouldn't be that loud except on startup. Now I'm going out to buy a quieter fan. I just wonder if maybe I have another problem unbeknown to me. The smell is bad and now i smell it every time I'm near any computer. I'm tempted to plug a glade apple cinnamon or something to mask the smell but I don't want to cover a dead pig in silk if you know what I mean. Somebody help me please? My last option is to go to a computer repair center to analyze the issue but like the forum's motto reads: "We are offering free computer tech support for everyone." I'm hoping someone can help me troubleshoot the problem. I'm a electronics technician with many years of experience so please be as explicit as possible. Thank you in advance. Last edited by ggonzalez777; 10-06-2009 at 12:25 PM.

10-06-2009, 01:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Dang it. So you recommend changing it? Even with the increase in wattage? How would the sped up CPU fan be explained?

10-06-2009, 01:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu One other question. How long sniff sniff does my PSU have before it causes damage? I wouldn't be able to get another PSU for at least 3 months. Especially since I plan on getting the Coolermaster Real Power Pro 650 watt.

10-06-2009, 01:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Your psu could already be doing damage. When a PSU starts to fail especially cheap bad brand models it will eventually start to cause intermittent errors like shutdowns, ram damage etc etc. The can also cause abnormal voltages which create heat which is probably why your cpu fan is working really hard. Can you get into the bios? If so post your temperatures and voltages on here __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 05:09 AM	#6 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu In bios I read a 32-34C temp measurement, didn't see a voltage reading. I'll have to download speedfan again when I get home. I do remember seeing a 12.74V on the 12V rail when I first started the program. and a -16V on the -12V rail. Well the CPU fan hasn't been loud as of late even with me running high cpu intensive programs. But the smell continues. I worry that I'm going to start spending a lot of money on a problem that is going to continue even if I replace my PSU with a another one. But I will try to get it ASAP. Last edited by ggonzalez777; 10-07-2009 at 05:13 AM.

10-07-2009, 08:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
FreoHeaveho TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 3,213 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 SP2, Windows XP Professional SP3, Mac OSX Leopard My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu I know this forum doesn't recommend low quality units, and I agree, however I am concerned that the PSU isn't the problem here. If the PSU has once already been changed and it continues to make this smell, then it would be very unlikely to be the PSU as a problem. Secondly, that PSU has around 36A on the 12V rail (EPS) so it has plenty of amperage for a 9400 and that system in all probablility. My advice is, before you get a new PSU (AGAIN), is to do a complete rebuild, checking for motherboard standoffs, dust, correct thermal paste application and wire insulation damage. I would then check the 12V rail under load with a multimeter to check it is within specs (give that you are an electronics tech). Voltage Rail Tolerance +5VDC ± 5 % -5VDC (if used) ± 10 % +12VDC ± 5 % -12VDC ± 10 % +3.3VDC ± 5 % +5VSB ± 5 % Then and only then would i recommend ANOTHER PSU. __________________ PC Wizard-VGA 2009 Charts-Power Supply Info-Multi/Single Rail PSU?-Speedfan-Driver Sweeper Last edited by FreoHeaveho; 10-07-2009 at 08:15 AM.

10-07-2009, 08:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
HawMan Liam Join Date: May 2006 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Posts: 2,940 OS: Win XP My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu I would take the heatsink off the CPU and redo the thermal paste with arctic silver 5. __________________ Please Consider Donating to keep the site free.

10-07-2009, 09:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu The reason why I have said it could be the PSU is because I have had this issue myself. But it's best to cover all bases. clean all dust away from inside the case and from fans. Take the heatsink off and clean the heatsink base with 90% isopropyl alcohol Clean the CPU with 90% isopropyl alcohol (or you can use arti clean from both) Redo the paste on the cpu and attach the heatsink and make sure it's properly attached. Can you describe this smell? When a PSU starts to burn out the only way I can describe it as burnt fish n chips soaked in vinegar and slightly rubbery. __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 10:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu And who says there's no compassion in the world!!!!! Thanks guys I will get right on it. If it helps, I have added a few things like another DVD-ROM drive and 2 DD2 553MHz 1GB RAM sticks. I checked on a PC wattage calculator and adding up all my components and the 30% it still only adds up to 310W. You know, come to think of it, I recall seeing the thermal paste very dried up on the CPU. That could be a problem. Question, what's the -12V rail for? I can't think of a reason for a reverse voltage rail unless it was being used as a reference voltage. Also, I sorta, kinda, in a way bumped some caps when I removed the metal strip closing the PCI-E expansion bay. I checked the components and they seemed ok. These caps were near a BGA chip in front of the PCI-E16x slot. I'll have to take it out and analyze it under a microscope. My motherboard is a 945GCT-HM if anyone can find out what that chip is that would be great. I looked under the supplier's site but they didn't identify and I also went under HP's site for the motherboard specs and there is some lettering in the picture provided but its unreadable.

10-07-2009, 10:11 AM	#12 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu sounds like you mean capacitors. If any are bent, look like they are collapsing on themselves or are leaking then your motherboard is damaged. __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 10:16 AM	#13 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu The smell is not poignant, nor does it smell plasticky. It's more like metal heating up, but yet my PSU is cool to the touch. I managed the PSU cables so there is no obstruction in front the PSU fan. I recently cleaned all the fans in my PC.

10-07-2009, 10:22 AM	#14 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Yea, I'm just used to tech talk I did mean capacitors. Well, these capacitors are SMT not electrolytic. The worst I can think that could happen is that the BGA would not get powered, not start to pull more current unless the other capacitors are overstressed and begin to compensate. Pulling more current would definitely make me think the PSU is getting overworked. Like I said I'll have to look at them more closely to determine the damage. If worse comes to worse, i could remove the mobo and take it to my tech bench and retouch the solder connections. I love troubleshooting!!! Last edited by ggonzalez777; 10-07-2009 at 10:25 AM.

10-07-2009, 10:24 AM	#15 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu I would do that but get a torch and shine on on the mobo, see if they are any burn marks or grey staining. __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 10:27 AM	#16 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu None that I noticed. I still don't know what that chip functions as, but I'll continue looking. Definitely have to check my voltage rails. Maybe even determine my PC's overall wattage usage with some simple math.

10-07-2009, 10:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Before I replaced my smelly psu it was also cool to the touch. I worked it out that it was the psu because I powerd down the system with the side of the case and put my nose right above the psu fan and that was were the smell was coming from. Then I tested it with a multimeter and came to the conclusion that was about to die. __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 11:14 AM	#18 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu What did you measure? I suspect the 3.3V or the 5V rail since that's what most BGA chips operate on.

10-07-2009, 01:31 PM	#19 (permalink)
greenbrucelee Mentor Hardware team Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,849 OS: XP SP3 My System	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Yes, you put the probes in the ATX connection on the mobo __________________ Microsoft certified professional, Network +, A+ certified

10-07-2009, 02:16 PM	#20 (permalink)
ggonzalez777 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18 OS: Windows Vista 32bit SP1	Re: Burning smell and loud CPU fan after installing new video card, psu Ok I'm home now and installed Speedfan and these are my voltages and temps: Vcore1: 1.15V Vocre2: 1.49V +3.3V: 3.34V +5V: 5.08V +12V: 12.29V -12V: -16.56V -5V: -6.51V +5V: 5.03V GPU: 49C Temp3(CPU): 23C Temp1(Case): 33C The negative voltage rails seem way off. Can anyone make sense of this data?