Optiplex Gaming Computer after 9 years: Testing PSU capacitors, and found weak solder joints.

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[@loop8946]

it could definitely be overloading the rail, but depending on if you can find the technical specs online, they usually have ratings per rail. I'd say it's more likely that the voltage regulation circuit has developed a bias somehow. perhaps a diode leaking voltage. Awesome to see someone else using pc power supplies a bit differently than intended. If you end up trying it with a switching psu brick, i'd be interested to see how that turns out.

[@RinoaL]

Yeah I used to be able to get away with more abuse with this thing, but I should probably stay with the dual PSU setup I had for years, even though I hate all the wires. That is until I find some other junk to use. haha

[@loop8946]

@@RinoaL I did something similar using a laptop instead of an optiplex because I got gifted a 1060 and the onboard GPU just couldn't keep up anymore. But my home lab is built with optiplex 3070s ^_^

[@gordonwelcher9598]

The capacitance meter you have does measure ESR. Capacitance alone will not tell you the health of an electrolytic capacitor. An ESR meter will help a lot. If you don't have one search the web, there are ways to test it using a scope and a signal generator. You can compare the value with the one from the Digikey web site for something similar. Also you can find a guide to ESR values for testing on the web. High values usually have lower ESR. You can get low ESR types that are better for power supply filtering.

[@coffeedvdrw]

such a cursed pc i love it

[@NiHaoMike64]

Take a look at used/surplus server PSUs. The 750W ones can often be found for $10 or less.

[@RinoaL]

i have several but unsure if I feel like modding one to fit

[@blackIce504]

dust bunnies can be a real killer...... i should do a recap on my 850 Zelman psu its just been sitting on the shelf and if your not using the 3.3v and 5v rail is not the best idea they do need to be loaded a bit true you can get away with it to a point but yeah. its also possible that the gpu is pulling more power then not much but just enough to trip the pus. My server currently has two psu and not in a good way , i going to buy a two server psu that should fit in the slot like the super micro but need some research on the dual psu distro board. Because 1 am is a good time everyone is a sleep no disturbance.

[@jozefa1234]

most power of the 430 watt goes to the 5 volt and 3,3 volt rails so 12 volts wil be max 12 or 15 A.

[@RinoaL]

No the 12v rail is the majority of the power and its rated for 35A.

[@grendel1960a]

Have you considered running it direct from a 12v battery and losing the power supply altogether?

[@RinoaL]

i have a 12V ATX power supply however that would be another order or magnitude of tinkering needed, and less reliable. If this was only taking 60 watts I would though

[@johntipeti4597]

i recommend buying the psu adapter cable from ebay and putting your own psu in there. omg sorry you've already got the adapter lol. :) hope you succeed

[@RinoaL]

lol

[@hrdcpy]

I know someone else that experienced crashing that was specific to Portal. Does it crash running a stress test such as furmark?

[@RinoaL]

not all stress tests, it is effectively a brownout not a crash though since the power supply shuts off. I called it a crash but it is specifically to do with the power supply

[@Peanutchex]

❤❤❤❤

[@RobertFixit]

So I have to like and subscribe any video that is related to Dell Optiplex, so here ya go LOL ^^^ optiplex nerd

[@zakksrage]

I see some weight gain 😍

[@RinoaL]

Nah you just don't see a baggy night shirt on me much. I'm still struggling to gain weight and not really making much progress. At least I'm not at 117lb again like I was in 2022. I'm more like 128lb now like I have been for the past year.

[@zakksrage]

@@RinoaL no literally it’s in your face i saw. You look healthy now. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or obtuse. Keep it up! Looking good

[@RinoaL]

No it isnt offensive, I just mean I need to get a few pounds more before I feel I have a healthy amount.

[@Evokvn]

14th

[@RobertSchmitt-u7l]

Bypass all of the switching and add a 12v capacitor filter at all of the outputs. A big one or a supercapacitor and your gaming and silicon switching devices will all be happier. Switching noise under load is usually the problem, not an under current issue, then the whole power supply is under specification which will always act intermittent. The supercapacitor wont pop and overcurent, if there is a dead part and the supercapacitor delivers, you will at least know about it. Power quality is a huge factor in everything. And most of it is consumer grade -quality.

[@RinoaL]

Yeah if I find a nice large 12v cap I'll use it.