Power fluctuation - CPU burnt
Posted by Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 10 comments
Guys my CPU gets burned every time there is a massive voltage fluctuation in our area even though we have an inverter at home.
I am not sure how to save my PC from future fluctuations.
Has anyone faced similar issues in the past?
What can I do to avoid this in the future?
I do not have a UPS at home.
Do you think getting a UPS would make the situation any better?
If yes, then guide me with what to look for when getting a new one.
I need to get it as early as possible.
aragorn18@reddit
What power supply do you have? It should be protecting your components from damage caused by power fluctuations.
Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit (OP)
Oh I get it now, it is Zebronics ZEB-N450W(DSATA)
Economy series (20+4 pin)
aragorn18@reddit
That's a really low quality power supply and likely the source of your problems.
Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit (OP)
What should I replace it with? I am sorry I am not a hardware geek.
What to look for when getting a new one.
aragorn18@reddit
Look for something at least C tier on the PSU Tier List.
Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit (OP)
Alright
Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit (OP)
It is 220-240V AC supply, the surge protector was installed, yet it happened, twice, once 2 years back and now.
The surge protector did not get tripped either. I do not understand why, Ideally it should have.
aragorn18@reddit
That's not particularly descriptive. I was hoping for a brand and model. It will be on a label inside the case.
life_after_midnight@reddit
Brown outs and 'dips' are often do more damage than spikes. Electronics are often capable of withstanding spikes more easily than dips. The varistors and TVS diodes resist it, and the caps can usually take in. If the spike is too high, it will just punch through the protection.
Brown outs are a silent killer of PSUs. If you use basic high-school math, you know that if the input voltage drops, and the PSU still tries to maintain a steady output, you MUST increase the current. This puts a lot of heat and stress on the components.
To make it worse, if it draws more current, it will drop the voltage on the mains even more due to resistance.
If you have dirty power, I suggest a high quality top tier PSU made by Seasonic, SuperFlower, or ChannelWall Tech, AND a UPS. The UPS will stop the dips and take the hit for you, which it is designed to do.
Sure_Cockroach_8104@reddit (OP)
Could you suggest me any(UPS) for a home PC. I have no idea what to look for when buying one.