Constant Poer Supply Failure

[johnriner]

My computer keeps blowing up power supplies and I can't determine why. I have a Soyo K7VME Mobo With an Athlon XP 2400+, 512MB PC 2100, DVD Burner, 2 HDD's(60 & 80 GB). ATI 9500 AGP and ATI all in wonder tv tuner. Nothing extreme and I am not overclocking. But for some reason about every couple of months my power supply blows. I even bought an APC 950 UPS the last time this happened, yet it happened again.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggetions?

Thanks,
John

[pangea33]

Welcome to PCGuide!!!
The problem could very likely be related to the power supplies you're choosing. My suspicion is that you're buying cheap ones. Am I right? I was having psu failures, and didn't want to believe that I needed to spend $50+ for a highly rated model. If you poke around here, you'll see the longtimers all recommend spending a little more for the reliability. For the price of 2-3 failed units, you can have one that will last a very long time. Saphalline has a great sticky with some affordable recommendations. Take a look here: http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=39018

[johnriner]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. From what I see at that link I guess I have been going cheap on the PSU. I thought spending 50 bucks for a 450w was doing good, now I know better.

Thanks Again, Pangea33!!

[pangea33]

My input may be off base. It's just that you seem to have decent hardware, and the UPS was a great investment. Every couple of months does seem pretty often, especially if you spend $50 for the one you chose. Do some research on a psu that matches the requirements of your machine. My Athlon XP 2400+ requires a very sturdy 12v supply, while some others place the demand on the 5v rail. I'm not an expert, so others can offer advice. Are your old units under warranty? I would think you're within the warranty period still.

[johnriner]

I am sure it is still under warranty, but I'm not one who keeps up with receipts very well. I am still going to try a better power supply. I'm just starting to think something on the mobo is shorting out. I do know that as soon as it is operable again, a complete backup is in order! It's always at times like these when you realize you haven't backed up in a while.
I keep you posted, and thanks again for the replies.

[johnriner]

Tried new psu, but no luck. Then tried different cpu, still nothing. Guess it's the mobo, huh?