PSU problems?

[Milzy]

I have had 2 motherboards stop working on me recently. The 1st one lasted 8 months, the second about 3 hours. I am getting a replacement but need to know, is it just coincidence or is there some possible explanation? I checked all the voltages when i installed the second one, and they checked out fine, as did the temperatures.
Any suggestions as to what could be causing this would be appreciated!And I am using an 'AMD approved' PSU 300W malarky and all....

Maybe we'll be able to save Insight another return jobbie?

Thanks!

[PowerHungry]

All AMD approved Power Supplies WERE NOT created equal!!!! Nor the power coming into you computer, you might want to invest in a Battery Backup unit like those available from APC.

Power Supplies that have been proven over time to be of the highest quality include the Enermax, Sparkle, Antec and those from PC Power and Cooling.

Just because it's on AMD's list doesn't mean it has been manufactured with superior components.

[r1ccard0]

Well I have an Addtronics case which came with an addtronics PSU 300w, and that blew on me.
I replaced it with an Antec, which also blew.... aznd I am on the replacement antec.

900TB
Antec HSF 6400rpm
3 x 80mm
1 x 92mm

Geforce 2 prophet II 64ddr
Linksys Nic
72x CD
Hp 9300i CD-RW
Maxtor 7200rpm

[PowerHungry]

Two power supplies blowing is more than a coincidence!!! I would look very hard at the power coming into your home/office.

We lose power here often and experience brown outs and surges. Power coming to my computer goes through two very good surge surppressers then thought two battery backup units (1 is used for the cable modem, 5 port Hub and speaker system - the 2nd is used for the computer, monitor and USB hub).

You might say it's overkill but, I haven't lost a power supply or component.

[r1ccard0]

I doubled checked everything, and the computer was hooked up to a surge protector.

I didn't have that much stuff connected to the PSU.
I just think that they were blown either by faulty parts or by overload, which I can't think why, because I have examined the load.

Are PSU's likely to break on ATX models when they are powered off (from the socket) alot?

[bigakita]

Take PowerHungry's advice, invest in a good UPS. Power constantly fluctuates; sometimes it spikes, sometimes it sags. Certain areas are worse than others. A good UPS not only provides a battery backup if there is a system failure, but it conditions the power that is going into your system, and that will keep even "flaky" PS's stable. Surge suppressors don't condition the current going into your system, they have a resistor that breaks connection after voltage reaches a certain level. Some work, some don't. But there is a 10 to 25 volt variable that they allow to pass. Trust me, I lived in Europe for 14 years running power through transformers and I could actually see the lights dimming and brightening throughout the day, but the UPS kept everything stable. I now live in an house built in 1908 and the power lines are completely erratic. If I hadn't learned early on to use a good UPS, I would have lost many boards and power supplies. It's a damn good investment for anyone. (I recommend APC Backups Pro 420 or higher).

[r1ccard0]

I'll take your advice, does anyone recommend and UPS in particular for pc's. I am using a transformer with my Hi-Fi I shipped over from the UK, since working here in the USA, and I am wondering if a UPS would be good for that. Particularly for the AMP, as it's pretty hungry.

What do others think the best UPS is?

[PowerHungry]

I have a Tripp-Lite Internet Office 500 and an APC 500. I prefer the APC unit hands down.