Power supply..

Shokka · #1 09-19-2003, 04:47 PM

It whines like a hoover vacuum cleaner...
I am unsure as to how I would get at the fan in there to clean it.. although I am CERTAIN it is a dust gold mine. Where I live gets pretty dusty, so it accumulates inside my computers fans.

How would I get at the power supply fan? take the entire power supply box out? if I do that, I am fine as long as I unplug it right? Or can some capacitors discharge and give me a nice shock?

curtybob · #2 09-19-2003, 10:13 PM

Be very careful if you follow through with this. The capacitors DO hold a charge, and it will pop you hard enough to stop your heart. I went to Lowe's and bought some heavy black rubber gloves to use when I take one apart.

If your PSU is whining, it will take more than a cleaning to fix it. Usually whining means a bad fan, and I'll bet your fan only has 2 prongs. Most fans you can purchase have 3, so make sure you find out, and ask before you take one home.

Shokka · #3 09-20-2003, 02:41 PM

Yeah, well I took it all apart everything, dusted and all.
Lol @ rubbergloves :P

Anyways... its not the fan, its the HD making the high pitch whine o.O
Hmm

curtybob · #4 09-20-2003, 10:04 PM

Just call me a wuss.

Sorry to hear it was your hard drive.

beeboy · #5 09-20-2003, 10:45 PM

Good advice Curtybob. In fact, a slight electrical shock can cause ventricular fibrillation leading to cardiac arrest. Even the voltage produced by cranking over your lawnmower engine is plenty to kill you. You cannot be too careful around electricity.
I received a bad shock from a huge capacitor in a very old radio and have since had a VERY healthy respect for electricity.

curtybob · #6 09-21-2003, 12:12 AM

Yeah, the drummer from my old band always talks about the kid in his electronics class in high school that died from a capacitor in the teachers office. I guess that teacher should have locked his door.

mpm100 · #7 09-21-2003, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shokka

How would I get at the power supply fan? take the entire power supply box out? if I do that, I am fine as long as I unplug it right? Or can some capacitors discharge and give me a nice shock?

Even when unplugged, the capacitors can KILL you, though it is unlikely. If you're going to screw around with the PS, have someone else around to call 911 just in case. Gloves are a good call too. Capacitors drain over time though (I don't remember the exact equation, sry). Shutting the system down, switching the power supply to "off," and then unplugging it for a day or so and you should be at much less risk.