Electronics how to tell a blown PSU

OK here is the deal. I think I just blew out my PSU because when I tryed Turning it on all it did was nothing. When I turned it off I noticed a small odor coming from the PSU. Help Please

 

Uh...test it and see tbqh...

 

Smelling it will usually tell you, especially if freshly blown...

 

Give it a little shake, if it's popped a cap or another component you'll hear it rattling around inside.

 

Not always. If the cap is spewing out it contents, it won't always break in two. Although, in a PSU, it almost always is violent!

It sounds like it is dead. If it smells bad, it definately is.

Sorry, but these things happen.

_C

 

unplug the ATX connector, and using a paperclip, short out pin 4 (the green one) and any black one. Then turn it on from the PSU switch, if it works, it isn't dead..... doesn't sound to promising though

 

Ya it is dead. I nmeed to know what power wattage I need. I use 1 disc drive 1 hard drive 1 xtra fan and 2 ccfls. I am thinking around 200 watts.?
if it is 200 watts then I think this is a good PSU http://techbargains.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=1420505

 

The power needed also depends on your CPU and graphics card. Could you give us some information on that?

Assuming you have an ATX you probably need closer to 300 - 350W. (As always ) I would recommend the Tagan 380.

 

Well my ocmputer is just for typing, power point and a program called gamemaker (5 mb)Low grpahics games and programs.

 

I still wouldn't go lower than a good quality 350w supply, just to make sure the system will stay stable under load.

 

Th problem is I m low oon cash an dont have enough for one of those state of the art mini PSU's that cost $350.

 

You don't need a mini PSU (unless your case is funky). Just get a simple $15 350W PSU from ye local PC shoppe. Shouldn't be much problem. Since you're not gaming or doing anything very stressful (for your PC that is), a Q-tecc would be fine. Once you start doing things that are slightly more tricky you want something better though

 

my case is funky. I need a small PSU to fit in it.

 

A 200W PSU should be fine really.

I have a quite a stacked machine, and it only draws 150VA from the mains. The smaller PSUs tend to be better made anyway.

 

Try looking into Shuttle PSUs. Around 250W and very good quality. There's some links in the sticky in SFF which could be handy for you.

btw SteveyG, YGPM.