[Digerati]

Yes, you have to open the case. This is something you should be doing every month anyway to inspect for dust and cleaning as necessary.

As for why, any electronics can, and eventually will fail.

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You think this maybe the reason for the problems I am having and the blue screen too?

[chipper1]

You think this maybe the reason for the problems I am having and the blue screen too?

[Digerati]

As I have been saying since my first reply in this thread, It is essential to ensure you are supplying good clean stable power.

You are trying to get me to say a new PSU will fix your computer. I can't and won't say that. But as a technician, swapping in a known good supply is the first thing I would try.

[chipper1]

As I have been saying since my first reply in this thread, It is essential to ensure you are supplying good clean stable power.

You are trying to get me to say a new PSU will fix your computer. I can't and won't say that. But as a technician, swapping in a known good supply is the first thing I would try.

Thanks, which one on here do you think I should go for?

http://www.maplin.co...h?criteria=psu

If there is something wrong with the fan would this "maybe" fix it? Is it hard to take the old one out and put the new one in?

If this does not fix the problem, what else could be the problem do you think? Maybe hardware etc?

Edited by chipper1, 13 November 2011 - 01:18 PM.

[Digerati]

The Corsair 500W would be a good choice.

[chipper1]

The Corsair 500W would be a good choice.

Thanks for that, it is out of stock. Are there none on here that would be good?

http://www.maplin.co...ia=psu &C=73669

How do I put it in my PC?

Edited by chipper1, 13 November 2011 - 01:50 PM.

[Digerati]

I do not recognize the brand names of the PSUs at Maplin so I can't recommend them. As for how, once you see the new one, you will see how to replace it. Any similar Corsair or Antec would do.

[chipper1]

Thanks, ok don't recommened any of them but which one or ones in terms of power would work from Maplin?

Do you think I could take the old one out and the new one in myself, being non technical?

[Digerati]

I am a little confused. If a 500W Corsair would be fine, then it seems any quality 500W (or larger) supply would suffice, right? I would just urge you to get one that states it is 80 PLUS certified. If it does not say it is "80 Plus" certified, I would avoid it. And I note that most of the PSUs offered by Maplin are NOT 80 Plus certified.

And as for doing it yourself, I don't know your skillsets. But all it takes to replace a PSU is a #2 Phillips screwdriver, good lighting, and a bit of dexterity. There are 4 screws in the back of the case holding the PSU in place. The obvious precautions are to unplug from the wall before opening the side of the case - which typically requires removing two screws from the back of the case to release the side panel. Then, to avoid destroying anything with a static discharge from your body, touch bare metal of the case interior before, and frequently while digging around inside. Touching the case puts you and the computer "at the same potential". And since simply wiggling around in your clothes or on your chair can create static in your body, frequent discharging (touching bare metal) prevents the buildup of more static.

Then you carefully start unplugging all the power cables from the various devices. Note that some of the connectors have a catch mechanism you need to press to release the connector - so don't just start yanking on cables - look first. All the connectors are "keyed" - meaning they are shaped so they can only be inserted one way. When reconnecting the new PSU, try to route the cables (tucking away as best as possible the unused cables) so they minimize impacting the desired front to back air flow through the case.

Typically, replacing a PC power supply is one the easiest hardware replacement tasks. That said, if you feel uncomfortable doing this, there's no shame in taking it to a professional.