Malfunctioning Power Supply Can Cause Serious Damage to Your Computer

One component in your computer can cause so many problems and if not replaced can actually cause other components to fail. Your computers power supply can cause a lot of problems for you when its starting to fail. In this article I discuss in depth the power supply and how, if malfunctioning, can eventually damage your computer.

Noises

Unusual noises coming from your power supply can mean several things. It is either starting to fail, dirty, or both. A can of compressed air can tell you if the problem is the power supply being dirty or its actually failing. You can get a can of compressed air at Radio Shack for under $7. You should always have a can on hand to blow out your computers every so often. If after you have blown out your computer and you still have noise coming from your power supply than purchase a new one. They are not expensive and even though your computer is working great a noisy power supply is a warning that it is on its way out.

Voltage and cooling

Power supplies do more than just power your computer and help cool it. They provide accurate voltages needed for each component. When they begin to fail they can allow too much voltage or not enough. This will result in other components being damaged. You could damage your motherboard and other boards. It can also damage any of your drives which would cost you more money. Your computer over time will lock up and may even overheat to a point it will not boot any longer. Power supplies must provide proper voltages for all components or they will not work properly and will fail over time.

Fan

If you can put your finger on your fan and halt it than replace the power supply immediately. If your fan stops functioning all together do not turn your computer on until the power supply has been replaced you would risk blowing other boards. If your fan has noise coming from it replace it as soon as possible. A noisy fan is as almost as bad as having a non-working fan. I cannot stress this enough DO NOT OPERATE YOUR COMPUTER WITH A NON-WORKING FAN. If you do you may cause serious damage to your computer and its boards.

Replacement power supplies

Most of the replacement power supplies today are better than the original some will have dual fans and run very quiet. This is good cause you will be able to tell when they begin to malfunction. If you replace yours with higher wattage power supply thats okay as long as the unit is recommended for your system. Your computer manufacturer will make some suggestions on good replacements you can buy. You can get better deals however from buying it from some other vendors. Some of the computer manufacturers prices are higher than the computer outlet places on the Internet. It pays to shop around and look for good deals. Also, make sure you check their policies on returns and warranties so there are no surprises.

This is very important information so that you get the most value out of your computer hardware. Its better to be informed so your not sorry.