[voldemarz]

I just bought a used self-assembled computer. When I plugged it in for the first time and turned on the PSU it blew the fuse (10A) of one of the circuits in the apartment. Tried multiple times. That seemed weird cause it seemed like there's enough headroom for more devices. When I plugged into the other circuit with same kind of fuse it worked fine.

Is there a valid reason why turning on a PSU could cause this or it's a sign that there is something wrong with it?

The previous owner had never had any issues with the machine. The apartment has 3 circuits:
1. 220V - living area (2 rooms)
2. 220V - kitchen, hall, toilet
3. 380V - for electric stove

First I tried using the 1st circuit. At that time there were 3 laptops running, a router and 2 20W light bulbs, totals for about 200W I guess.

In the second circuit there's actually more potential load (didn't realize at first). There are 3 light bulbs, kitchen appliances and 1000W electric thermo-regulated heater set on 3rd heating regime (low-high scale 1-6). Maybe at the moment when I turned on PSU heater wasn't heating and hence I succeeded.

I realized that heater could be an issue when I blew fuse of the 2nd circuit. After fixing the fuse I noticed that fridge was active. I waited it to go into idle and tried again, and this time the fuse didn't blow.

Haven't had issues starting the computer, only turning on the PSU.

The computer parts in detail:
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R
CPU: i7 920 2.67GHz
GPU: 1024MB XFX ATI HD 5870 DDR5
RAM: 6GB 1600mhz OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 PLATINUM
CASE: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced
POWER: 1000W - CORSAIR HX Series CMPSU-1000HX
HDD: 1TB - Western Digital Caviar Black (WD1001FALS)
Dvd-drive: LG GDR 8164B 52x (CD) / 16x (DVD)

 

[Tyree]

Haven't had issues starting the computer, only turning on the PSU.

How do you start the PC without turning on the PSU?

10A is pretty small for any household circuit.
Surely the apartment has more than 3 circuits?
How old is the PC?
Try taking the tower to another apartment,house, etc. and see if the same problem occurs. If so, the PC is at fault/f not. your household wiring is at fault.

 

[voldemarz]

The problem occurs when I turn the switch on PSU. If I manage to turn it one without blowing fuses then have no problems starting the computer itself. It seems like PSU draws a lot of power for a brief moment when being turned on. This what I am wondering about. Is that normal PSU behavior?

It's a rather old house, so is the wiring probably. But we haven't had similar problems before. For example never had problems using the vacuum cleaner that is rated with 2200W.

Why do you think there should be more than 3 circuits? It's a two room apartment.

The pc is 3 years old.

I just brought the pc from another place (previous owner) where it was working fine.

 

[Tyree]

The problem you are experiencing is not normal.
3 circuits in any dwelling is too few.
It is possible the PSU is faulty...it has a 5 yr. warranty.
The only way to determine the source of the problem is

taking the tower to another apartment,house, etc. and see if the same problem occurs. If so, the PC is at fault/f not. your household wiring is at fault.

 

[greenbrucelee]

as above plus you do not need a 1000w psu for that system but a psu only uses what it needs.

 

[Fjandr]

10A is comparable to a 20A circuit in the States. It actually provides more available wattage than most residential circuits (15A @ 110V) on this side of the pond (2200W vs 1650W).

It does appear there is a load problem there though.

 

[Tyree]

10A is comparable to a 20A circuit in the States.

Good to know and thanks for that inclusion.
If the OP tries using the PC in another household they can narrow the possibilities.

 

[Fjandr]

Quite welcome.

 

[voldemarz]

If the OP tries using the PC in another household they can narrow the possibilities.

As I said just few days ago I brought the machine from another household (student dorms actually) where the previous owner didn't have any problems. Maybe they've stronger circuits there.

I can't really try taking computer anywhere since I don't have a car and I don't think it makes much sense considering it was elsewhere just a week ago.

Also, I know I don't need 1000W for that setup, but the config is what it is, having that kind of PSU doesn't harm as long as it works well.

How could I test the load from PSU when it is turned on?

 

[Fjandr]

One of these will show you load. They're actually very handy.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plug-In-Power-and-Energy-Monitor/dp/B000Q7PJGW