Hardware Analysis - how doyoufix a psu?

Re: how doyoufix a psu?

john albrich — 2007-02-18T14:49:14-05:00

Ran across this PSU replacement website... I have NO experience with either this website, their products, or their quality. Just providing the info.

This website basically seems to provide PSUs for specific computers from various manufacturers, and they list whether PSU 'xykz' will work in Gateway Computer 'abc' or
HP Pavilion '123' and so on. They have some search and cross-reference capabilites as well.

http://www.power-on.com/

The HP PSU cross-reference is at
http://www.power-on.com/hp.html

In general, I would still recommend where at all possible you replace your OEM PSU with a quality higher power PSU.

In addition, you can find the actual manufacturer of a PSU (including OEM PSUs) by looking at its UL certification label. You may find for example, that the PSU supposedly made by company "ULTRASUPERDUPER" is really made by the same company that makes the "MEGABLASTER" PSU..and it's the SAME PSU. It's interesting that in some instances the PSU made by "ULTRASUPERDUPER" might get a "good" review, while the PSU made by "MEGABLASTER" may not do as well.

Check out website:
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.htm

For example, First I find the "UL File Number" on the outside of the box of an Ultra V-Series 500W" PSU. The number is E178768. (it should also be on the PSU's UL label)
Using the UL website lookup, I find that the "Ultra" PSU is actually made by "Wintech Electronics Corporation" and clicking on the UL file for that, I see that Wintech is in
Yung-Ho, Taipei Hsien 234 Taiwan. In this file are also a lot of detailed performance data about this model PSU and other models Wintech certified under this filing.

edited to add a bit about using the UL data.

Re: how doyoufix a psu?

john albrich — 2007-02-16T08:53:51-05:00

Other companies also use Bestec sourced PSUs. They generally are not proprietary form factors.

Look at multiple posts and fora regarding PSU quality and replacement. Don't make a quick decision.

GENERAL steps to replacing your PSU:
(this is just off the top of my head, so if I'm forgetting something folks, let him know)

1) Determine your output and motherboard form-factor power requirements.
For example, a machine might have a 300W ATX PSU...so you need at least a 300W PSU compatible with the ATX specification. If you are planning to upgrade your system, get a higher output PSU. You won't find a good PSU that is incredibly cheap, but on occassion you can find good deals.

2) Determine if you want to buy a PSU that automatically adjusts for input voltage or has a switch you use to select the source voltage.

3) Check out and write down your
PSU dimensions,
what cables you have and which side the cables come from,
where the fan is located
where the mounting screws are located
where the exhaust vent is located,
where the power switch is located (if it has one)
where the AC power cord socket is located

4)Look online for PSUs, and verify that the dimensions are compatible. Be careful, because not every vendor/manufacturer lists the dimensions the same way. One vendor's "Height" might be another vendor's "Width".

5) Verify the new PSU has the output cables you need. For example, if your motherboard has a 24pin main power connector, you need a PSU with a 24pin power connector. You may even need a new kind of accessory output cable...for example, if you add a video card that requires an extra power input, or if you're changing to a SATA drive instead of IDE drive, you may want to get a PSU that provides an unique output cable for those devices (instead of using an adapter)

6) Verify the relative locations of all the items listed in step 3 are compatible. Compare to your case's PSU mounting point as needed. This helps ensure you won't run into obstructions while installing. For example, that the AC socket won't be covered by sheet metal when it's installed in the case. In some PC cases, there is very little room between the disk or optical drives and the PSU, and some manufacturers use a PSU with cables routed specifically to avoid this problem...so you have to be aware of such things.

In many instances, you will not be able to find the level of detail you really need. Try going to the actual specifications page for the PSU you're considering...not just the vendor's sales literature/webpage. In some cases, you're left with taking a risk because the info isn't available...in such cases, make sure you understand the vendor's return requirements and any costs associated with returning it if needed.

7) You'll probably want a PSU with an MTBF over 100,000 hours. Many PSUs have lower MTBFs and generally speaking, indicate lower quality. If you can determine it, do NOT get a PSU that has fan with a "sleeve" bearing. Ball-bearing or ceramic bearing is the only way to go.

The PSU is the heart of your system. EVERYthing depends on its ability to provide stable outputs and reliable protection from power failures. The PSU is NOT the place to scrimp.
In general, the more important the continued operation of your PC is to you, the more you should be willing to invest in the PSU to keep it going and to protect it.

However, deals are out there. For a non-critical system, I found an Ultra V-series 500W ATX PSU easily replaced a Bestec ATX-300-12E PSU used in an eMachines/Gateway tower. Mounting screw points were an exact match and no case modifications were required. It normally sold for something like US$80 or $90 and I got it on sale and with rebate for a total of $20 +S&H. Good deals for "ok" PSUs are out there if you look around enough.

Here are some other links:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=974240
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=792566

edited to add the "don't scrimp" info.
edited to fix typo

Re: how doyoufix a psu?

Liquid Shadow — 2007-02-16T06:37:06-05:00

Well the problem is if the PSU is proprietary, then he can't buy one from a third-party, he has to get it from HP.

Re: how doyoufix a psu?

CrAsHnBuRnXp — 2007-02-16T06:26:36-05:00

how do you fix a psu?

You buy a new one. Do not attempt to fix one. Either go to a electronic store that sells them or go to http://www.newegg.com.

Re: how doyoufix a psu?

Liquid Shadow — 2007-02-16T05:49:56-05:00

Contact HP first for possible replacement.

how doyoufix a psu?

erob — 2007-02-16T05:10:33-05:00

I have a HP Pavilion 751n which the power supply has died out and I can't seem to find it on the stores i normally usually purchase my parts & equipment nobosdy seems to have it and few have told me they can get it in special order which will run me about $60 which is alot for such a weak power supply this one is rated at 200W but actually pulls just 163W according to the specifications. now i need to either find a place that has it at a reasonable price, or try to fix it myelf.
the manufacturer of the power supply is basetec I have searched online and found nothing relating tot he company if you know the website, or a place where i can get it it will be greatly appricicated.
Thank you in advance
Edgar