Member Avatar for Synestic

Hey Daniweb!
Yesterday I built 2 new PCs with pretty much the same specs; 2 times the same PSU , a corsair enthusiast tx550m.
Only difference was the case. When I put the first PSU in the first case, a CM690 II advanced, the PSU made a loud popping sound as if something exploded. I could also see a little spark and my fuse blew.
I thought it had broken so I took the second case , put in the second PSU in the other case and powered it up on a different electrical circuit and poof ! The exact same thing. I started to think this was normal, like the capacitors charging or something. I started fitting the rest of the parts and it started up, there haven't been any shocks or "explosions" any more in the first case. In the second case it happened one more time, on first boot. It wasn't anything like the first 2 pops though, it was more like a silent "pang" sound.

I don't know what these pops were, and hope you guys and girls can help me with this..

Thanks in advance.
Brad

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

Generated

A concise expert summary and practical checklist for ’s report: two identical Corsair TX550M units produced a loud pop and visible spark on first mains application (a household fuse also blew). That combination — audible explosion plus arcing — is not a normal “capacitors charging” click. It usually means either a short to chassis or a sacrificial/input protection device has failed. Even if the PSU later appears to run, internal protection or components may be damaged.

Likely causes

  • Installation short: a standoff, loose screw, or metal shaving contacting the PSU PCB or a modular connector can arc immediately when powered.
  • Sacrificial protection failure: an MOV, surge component, or input stage part failing with a loud pop and spark. That can leave the PSU marginal but seemingly functional.
  • Rare manufacturing or shipping damage affecting both units (same batch).
  • As noted, a region/voltage switch can be a cause on older PSUs; most modern TX-series are auto-sensing, so a manual switch is unlikely on this model.

Recommended, safe troubleshooting (in order)

  1. Do not power the unit in-system again. Disconnect mains and remove the PSU.
  2. Visually inspect for scorched areas, melted plastic, loose screws, bent pins on modular cables, or metal debris in connectors. Smell for burning.
  3. If competent with bench testing: try the PSU outside the case with only the ATX 24-pin shorted to start and a known-good load (HDD/fan) or, preferably, a dedicated PSU tester. If uncomfortable, skip to step 4.
  4. Photograph the label and any damage, preserve packaging/receipt, and contact Corsair or the retailer for RMA. A blown fuse plus visible spark is a strong RMA case.
  5. If the household fuse tripped, consider having the outlet/wiring checked by a qualified electrician.

Bottom line: a loud pop and visible spark on first power-up should be treated as a fault. Even if the PSU seems to run afterward, replacement under warranty is the safest course.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

capacitors charging

caps don't charge ,there purpose is to cool the the power as it flows through them ,I would cerntly be weary of a loud bang check the power setting[usually a small red switch] on the back of the psu ,it should be set to either 115V or 220V what ever is coming into the house ,in USA and Canada it would be 115V for most of us ,some business might be 220
last time I put a spu that did the big pop it wast toasted ,no more good

Edited by caperjack
Member Avatar for Synestic

There is no switch on the back of the PSU.. I live in Belgium so it should be 220v. I'm just thinking, is it possible that the PSU adjusted itself to this voltage ? I'm no expert when it comes to electricity so yeah..

Member Avatar for caperjack

it should be written on the info sticker on the side of the psu then

Member Avatar for caperjack

just found this [•Auto-switching circuitry provides universal AC input from 90V - 264V]about the voltage of you psu ,seems you safe ,not sure why the big bang though .

review of psu .

Edited by caperjack
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