Hi-

I have an Aspire X-Qpack case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144109) and am still using the Power Supply that came with it. Recently the PS would make a buzzing sound when I turned the computer on. I had thought that maybe it ahd been the PSs fan, but I opened and moved all wires that were close to it away from the fan. Alas, that made no difference. When the computer started up it would reset itself a couple of times, so I (of course) became quite concerned that my PS was having issues.

However, when the computer would finally start up (login to Windows), it would become stable, and it would not reset.

My questions are these:

1. Is my diagnose of being a PS issue correct?
2. If I purchase a new PS, does it have to be a MicroATX PS?
I ask this because at newegg.com, they have a subset for MicroATX PS. But at TigerDirect htey don't.

Thanks.

-Rew

It sounds like a PSU problem. Does the noise continue after a successful startup?

Did you try cleaning and oiling the fan?

You can get an inexpensive PSU tester such as:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...n&q=psu+tester

If you replace the PSU you probably need a microATX if the case is. A standard ATX would just be too large for the case.

That being said the designation of microATX in general is specified for the motherboard. In looking at the pictures in your link that looks like a standard PSU.

Check the following for your dimensions:

Physical Dimensions

Besides the specs and form factors, the physical dimensions are also important factors in selecting a compatible power supply. Here is an outline of the physical dimensions of most standard power supplies:


ATX: 6x3.5x5.5", HxWxD. Most common. Uses 4 mounting screws.
Mini-ATX: 5x3.5x5", HxWxD. Rare size. Uses 4 mounting screws. Can be used in a regular ATX case, but often not the other way around.
MicroATX: 5x3x4", HxWxD. Use 3 mounting screws. Not interchangeable with ATX or miniATX.
Flex ATX: Even smaller than Micro ATX. Various sizes according to case specs; often not interchangeable.

Use the data above to determine if a particular power supply would fit your case.

http://www.directron.com/psu.html

just a reply to your question....the noise does stop after a successful boot.

Also I opened the power supply, and cleaned the fan with an air can, but i could swear that's not where the noise is coming from.

Thanks for all the info. I am a little short for cash right now, but at some point i will look into getting a PSU tester. It would probably be handy to have around.

Is the noise in the PSU?

Is it the hard drive?

That would be my next suspect.

Or is it another fan?

CPU?

Graphics Card?

Case fan?

In a computer only spinning objects (in general) could make noise.

no it's definately in the PSU. I opened my case, sort of took the PSU as far out as i could, and plugged it back. When i turnned it on, the noise was distinctly coming from the PSU.

I do realize that only spinning objects make noise, but this sound (buzzing...) is definately coming from the PSU.

Just two quick searches:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...ch&sa=N&tab=gw

http://groups.google.com/groups/sear...r=&q=psu+noise

I am now remembering a similar issue here. I will try to locate it. If the noise is definitely the PSU then measuring and fitting would be the best bet.

Buzzing rather than rattling is much more electronic.

I will post back if I find more.

Hope this helps.

Just more quick links:

http://www.computerhope.com/help/ps.htm

Hi-

I just posted a thread yesterday about my power supply (http://www.d-a-l.com/help/showthread.php?t=44961). Now this morning, when I turned on my computer, I got three beeps, and the computer won't boot up. I heard the hard drive click, the fans are moving, the power LED is on. even the DVD drive works. But I get nothing on my monitor. it is blank. The monitro is definately not the problem.


What do three beeps mean? I found a thread in this forum about beep codes, but I did not see anything about 3 long beeps.

Thanks for the help.

-Rew

EDIT:

Well. I opened my case, and I moved the power sopply so that it was standing on end. I turned the computer on, and there were no more beeps. It started up just fine. I would still like any input to my problem. I just think it would be good info to have.

Thanks.

I merged your threads for clarity.

There is a list of beep codes here:

http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm

They depend on your BIOS type.


If it was: >3 short> Base 64K RAM failure. This could be caused by insufficient power to the motherboard.


Glad you got things going. I would still suspect a failing PSU but use it as long as you can.

Let us know how it goes.