Help - My PC Power supply died - how do I replace it?

[BigDPW]

Okay I have a custom built PC from puget computers and my Antec Phantom 500W died over the weekend. Mine has been working for 3 years since my purchase but after looking today it looks like there have been alot of problems with these.

I have never replaced a power supply though I suspect it is pretty easy. Can someone give me the basics to these questions below:

- Any tips on how to make sure it was my PS (without having a backup to put in there) and how to check to see if anything else is damaged when I get it back up and running? The PS has a light on the back that will not come on indicating it cannot start. When I get home I will make sure it is not the cord by putting a new one in... Also I smell a little burnt smell around the PS too.

- How do I pick out a replacement power supply that I know will work with my system? I am pretty sure the 500 W was always enough as I never had issues until a power surge.

- Will basically any standard PS fit into my system (physically) and hook up where needed? Or do I need to buy another antec to go with my antec tower (Antec P180)

- Any recommendations on what to buy for a replacement? I liked this one that I saw on NewEgg (Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2) But I am searching blindly to a certain degree.

- Any links/tips to how to replace/install a power supply? I have put in new drives and cards before in many pcs but never replaced a PS?

Thanks!

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by BigDPW

Okay I have a custom built PC from puget computers and my Antec Phantom 500W died over the weekend. Mine has been working for 3 years since my purchase but after looking today it looks like there have been alot of problems with these.

I have never replaced a power supply though I suspect it is pretty easy. Can someone give me the basics to these questions below:

- Any tips on how to make sure it was my PS (without having a backup to put in there) and how to check to see if anything else is damaged when I get it back up and running? The PS has a light on the back that will not come on indicating it cannot start. When I get home I will make sure it is not the cord by putting a new one in... Also I smell a little burnt smell around the PS too.

- How do I pick out a replacement power supply that I know will work with my system? I am pretty sure the 500 W was always enough as I never had issues until a power surge.

- Will basically any standard PS fit into my system (physically) and hook up where needed? Or do I need to buy another antec to go with my antec tower (Antec P180)

- Any recommendations on what to buy for a replacement? I liked this one that I saw on NewEgg (Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies - CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2) But I am searching blindly to a certain degree.

- Any links/tips to how to replace/install a power supply? I have put in new drives and cards before in many pcs but never replaced a PS?

Thanks!

Its pretty straightforward and should be as simple as pulling the old one out, putting the new one in, and reconnecting the cables. The only guaranteed way to make sure the PSU is the problem is to replace it unfortunately. Your PC is custom built so it should be an ATX case and the PSU that you linked is an ATX PSU so there shouldn't be any problems as far is it fitting.

[BigDPW]

Thanks I placed an order for that replacement PSU.

[sterlingice]

If you replace it and there are still issues, then the problem is likely with the system board and that's a bit more of a problem.

SI

[FBPro]

Just make sure you get a unit w/ enough power for what you are doing, issues like RAM, video use, multi-tasking, etc play a role in that.