Power supply melted my cable?

[altwight]

So lately my computer was giving me power issues saying that there wasn't enough power from the power supply. I unplugged everything and hooked it back up and it fixed itself I guess cause I no longer got any messages.

For the longest time now whenever I start my computer up (SOMETIMES) the power supply makes a super loud humming noise like it's about to explode. Restarting a few times (usually once) will make it stop and load properly.

Now just recently I was playing WoW and the PSU started freaking out. The computer shut off randomly and it started making shock noises (like when you plug something into the wall and it sparks and makes that shock noise) in rapid sessions like it was electrocuting itself. I yanked the cord from the back out and let it sit for a moment and plugged it back in and started it up. Everything went fine until today...

I was playing WoW again and it did the same thing so i pulled it out really fast and my computer was still playing WoW music but the computer had no cable plugged in. Well I looked at the cable this time and the left side was melted a bit and the prong connector was burnt out. Usually when you look into it it's got gold shiny things in back but this was completely burnt out.

Not sure if it happened the first or the second time but I'm using my brother's computer cable since he has moved out and it seems to be working fine. I can notice my computer is running somewhat better. Possibly due to a sufficient supply of power maybe?

Things to consider. My old cable (the one that burnt) wouldn't properly stick into the PSU it fit but it was wobbly and moving the cord slightly would cause a shutdown. I'm 100% sure this is the problem. My new cable fits in nice and firm. So to ask BG, is it my PSU or the cable I was using?

[Olo401]

Okay you said the connector was burnt out & the cabling melted. If the cable was resting next to something hot, say a heatsink or even the corner of the PSU's casing, there's a chance it would melt and eventually cause a short from bare wire touching some metal.

Or the PSU could be putting out screwy, overloaded current. Or the fan in the PSU could be shot - that would explain excess heat melting your cables AND the loud hum you hear.

It's a tough call, but if it were me I would just plain replace the PSU. Why risk the possibility that the next time something happens it could blow out your motherboard? And with the electrical short noises you heard, there might be some damage done to the PSU now even if it was just a case of hot metal melting your cables.

[Shuemue]

Your PSU starts sounding like it's going to explode, and starts sparking, and you carry on using it?

Genius.

[Norellicus]

Yeah I would definitely replace the PSU, power problems aren't something to fuck with, can cause permanent damage to more costly components and start fires.

Your PSU starts sounding like it's going to explode, and starts sparking, and you carry on using it?

Genius.

And I'm the one who talks down to people and acts like a prick

[Shuemue]

And I'm the one who talks down to people and acts like a prick

No, you talked down to me for no reason other than to try and feed your own ego. I'm telling this guy he's a fucking idiot for risking his life to play WoW. Big difference.

[altwight]

Lol risking my life? This thread just became epic. The problem was indeed the PSU cable I was using previously. I didn't know PSU cables had a limit, thought they were all the same. It works fine. There's no damage done. Gonna go risk my life to play WoW some more cause WoW is serious business. ^_^

[Norellicus]

No, you talked down to me for no reason other than to try and feed your own ego. I'm telling this guy he's a fucking idiot for risking his life to play WoW. Big difference.

Ohh noes, nobody can speak ill of The Great Shuemue in his infallible ways!

And lol @ risking your life, a PSU going nuts is going to cause an easily dispersed fire at worst. I guess you could stretch it to burning the house down while you sleep, but still, lol. Nobody denies it's kind of silly to continue operating a PSU that's potentially going to cause greater damage, but honestly.

[Cephius]

Keep your other-forum drama out of Tech. If you don't have anything to contribute for the man, don't post.

To the OP: Make sure the outlet you're plugging into is properly grounded and is outputting the correct amount of voltage. If you're in doubt, buy a cheap UPS or voltage regulator. And yes, replace your current PSU ASAP.

[Shuemue]

Ohh noes, nobody can speak ill of The Great Shuemue in his infallible ways!

And lol @ risking your life, a PSU going nuts is going to cause an easily dispersed fire at worst. I guess you could stretch it to burning the house down while you sleep, but still, lol. Nobody denies it's kind of silly to continue operating a PSU that's potentially going to cause greater damage, but honestly.

More like I had thought we were on friendly terms, so it fucking annoyed me when you acted a dick.

And let's be honest, if someone is dumb enough to use a sparking PSU, they're dumb enough to toss water on an electrical fire.

Cephius: lol @ you

[Cephius]

Yes, lol at me for moderating my forum. Keep it up.

[Shuemue]

'my forum'

lol @ you again

[Khamsin]

Come on, shue, even you know this is trolling now. But you're right, it's better safe than sorry when it comes to things like this. Whether or not anyone's life was at risk, it's still a good idea to be careful when it comes to possible electrocution or electrical fires.

There's no need to risk even "easily dispersed fires". Next time something like this happens, quit using it the moment you notice sparks like that, and don't tug on the cord. Instead, shut off the power strip it's plugged into, first.

[Shuemue]

Hey Ceph, see what Khamsin did there? That's how to moderate.

[Cephius]

Yeah, he told you to stop trolling (which you still are) and gave advice to the OP. Also known as: exactly what I did. I don't know what's with you lately, but you really need to cut it out.

[Shuemue]

Still holding a grudge, eh?

[Cephius]

You can think whatever you want, I refuse to get drawn into your flame baiting. I don't have any kind of grudge against you or anyone that posts here.

[Charismatic]

Except me, I've seen the way you look at me.

[Epical]

Locking this. Issue has been resolved and future advice has been given. This thread's purpose has been served.