A player notices that his gaming PC keeps shutting down. For this reason, he opens a component that is dangerous: the power supply.
What did the player do? The user reports on Reddit that his computer regularly shuts down by itself while gaming. Unable to explain the problem, he opened his computer. Here he discovered that the power supply was likely the culprit. He explains on Reddit:
I checked my power supply and it was indeed very hot and had to be turned off with the switch for several seconds before I could restart the computer. Is my power supply overheating and tripping a fuse or something? I took it apart and cleaned it out and that seemed to work for a bit, but it’s happening again and I’m considering buying a new PSU.
Opening a power supply can have life-threatening consequences and is never worth it
Why should you steer clear of the power supply? The power supply in your computer usually operates at high voltages. The internal components of a computer power supply can carry high voltages on the input side (230 V AC in DE) and several volts (12 V, 5 V, and 3.3 V DC) on the output side. Contact with these voltages can lead to electric shock, which can be fatal.
This is because the power supply in your computer transforms the alternating current from the outlet into direct current. In Germany, the outlet typically provides alternating current at a voltage of 230 volts.
The problem mainly lies with the capacitors used. Power supplies contain large capacitors that can store significant electrical charges even after being unplugged, sometimes for days or even weeks. Even if you have disconnected your computer from the outlet, the power supply can still be life-threatening. The capacitors can cause a dangerous electric shock when touched.
If your power supply is damaged, it is best to contact the manufacturer or an experienced technician. Generally, a power supply costs you no more than around 100 euros, and it is really not worth risking your life for it (via corsair.com).
Power supplies can also pose other dangers to life and limb. A gamer bought a new case and power supply for his gaming PC. On Reddit, he complains that his old cable no longer fits the computer. The community is shocked and horrified, as the situation could have ended badly: Gamer buys new power supply and complains that the cable doesn’t fit – Doesn’t realize that he almost burned down his apartment
