Power supplies keep going out.

[mcrohan]

I have a compaq presario 5000, I replaced the power supply in March. Now the new one just went out. What could be causing this. I was wondering if maybe there is a short in the power switch. Also, it was in standby both times that it stopped working. Anyone have any ideas?

[104456]

Where did you source the new item from?
Was it the same model/size as the former item?

[Ridgerunr]

You live in Texas. Been any thunder storms lately? Does your electric co. have a lot of power surges/brownouts? Do you have a UPS(Universal Power Supply)? Are you at least using a "quality" surge suppressor(not a $5.95 special)? If any of the above happen,it can,at the very least,blow the fuse inside your power supply. Most have a glass fuse inside the case...

[Train]

What is a "quality" surge suppressor(not a $5.95 special)? They will start around $40 and the warranties usually have a of so many dollars for damaged equipment. The higher the joules the better.
And on the thunderstorm business, if you can hear it, you are already late in shutting down and unplugging everything including the cable or telephone line from the case.

[mcrohan]

I got a different power supply. I had a 200w power supply and I got a 300w power supply. I have a surge surpresser but I guess it isn't strong enough. Is there any possibility that the start button on the pc could have a short and be doing it? (I've never had any problems turning it on)

[Train]

It could have been a bad one. But unless you get one of the better brands, what is written to ps could well be a lie. For example your 200 may have only been able to output 135 watts.

[Murph]

Agree w/Train, there is a noticeable difference in quality depending on the brand of power supply - one place you definitely recognize price vs. performance. Another thought, in the past I went through several power supplies and didn't know the cause. But recently noticed numerous temporary blackouts in my area, and since it is growing figure probably many brownouts before. If you looking at a "quality" surge protector, might as well spend an extra few $$$'s for a UPS. Then you protected from surge and brown/blackouts. Maybe save you from buying another power supply down the line, and saving data during one or two blackouts is well worth the extra $$$ now.

[Train]

Cheaper than a new computer that is for sure. And like Murph said then UPS's are worth their weight in GOLD!

[Calpitor]

Good job they don't cost as much. Prices range from $50 to $150 for most home setups. The prices can really soar but those puppies aren't for your average home user. The more you pay the longer the backup battery power last in the event of power loss, better surge suppression, and of course nifty software to close programs & turn off the system in the event of a black out while you're not home and the computer is on. Belkin is my personal choice for these devices as mine has never let me down.