ATX Desktop Power Supply: Power-supply cooling failure | Auckland
Pattern to record: The PC works from cold and shuts down after the supply becomes hot.
Identify the supply and load
An ATX power supply provides several outputs and startup signals. Document the PSU model and connected loads; a spinning fan or a simple unloaded start test does not establish stable operation under load. One possible explanation is that the internal fan or airflow path cannot remove heat.
Mains and connector safety
Power supplies contain lethal mains sections and should not be opened casually. Opening a PSU to change a fan exposes hazardous stored energy.
Workshop checks
- Measure standby and loaded rails with known hardware while separating PSU from board faults.
- Observe fan operation externally and record case and exhaust temperature.
Repair and loaded verification
If the checks support this cause, replace the power supply or have its cooling fault repaired safely. Verification should cover cold start, processor and graphics load, sleep, restart and all required connectors.
For an assessment of your desktop PC, contact AEPC in Burswood or call 027 908 8880. Provide the model and the conditions that reproduce this problem. Workshop visits are by appointment.