Faulty power supply ?

[TriCkz]

ok so ive recently started to notice that there is a slight ticking coming from the rear of my pc just above the power - in port and when i look through the mesh there is what looks like either a blue light flashing or cables shorting off eachother? ive opened the pc up and turned it on to look at try find the source but cant find anything? the PC is running 100% fine and troubleshooting hasnt revealed any errors or possible problems but im worried this could be the early sign of a faulty power supply. The model is an alienware x51 R1. has anyone experienced this before or know what it may be ?

[BoNfiRe]

Get a new one now, if not, could end with a new PC. I had one properly blow and destroyed everything connected the motherboard.

On another note, it could dust collecting, and causing a short. So a good clean might help, but personally, if it's shorting, switch the pc off until you get a new one.

[TriCkz]

dont suppose you would know a site i could buy the PSU for an alienware x51 from do you ? cannot find them anywere.

sorry i can find them but i cannot find any for Irish plug sockets and i dont wanna take any chances by buying a US model

[rotNdude]

You shouldn't be seeing blue arcing in a power supply. Here is one of many sites to buy PC components in the UK.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-components/power-supplies/all-power-supplies

[_I_]

the aliendell x51 uses an external power brick 200-330w

where are you seeing the blue light?

[Beardface31]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GENUINE-Original-Alienware-Adapter-Dell/dp/B00AK75R6U

Type G socket, same as the UK? If you're an Amazon fan.

[BoNfiRe]

Overclockers.co.uk are by far the best in the UK. No naff there, good recommendation.

[Beardface31]

Originally posted by _I_:

where are you seeing the blue light?

Do these have an ethernet connectivity indicator on the back? Or maybe case lighting is going wonky.


OP, do you notice any burning or an ozone electical type smells?

[Wholesome Wych]

The x51 uses an external power supply.
From the video that I saw, the power board is located at the front, underneath the dvd drive. I think that the motherboard would obscure view of it, so it could be something on the motherboard

[TriCkz]

just cracked it open again and have saw that it is the small board where the power in cable goes , it is arcing with electricity but i can see no loose wires? or loose connections and even my brother who is an electrician cannot see why there is arcing going on. im not taking any chances with it and am leaving it completely off until i can get a technician to look at it , in the mean time i think ill be buying a new PSU just to have as a backup incase things go balls up , thanks for all the help guys

[Spider Pig]

The Alienware X51 should still be new enough to be within a 1-year warranty time window.

Call Dell, and ask them to troubleshoot (and possibly repair / replace) whatever the problem is, under warranty. Whatever the problem is, it isn't something that can be easily fixed. You paid for that warranty... you might as well use it.

[TriCkz]

its the R1 2012 model so unfortunately im miles outside my warranty only reason its still in good condition is the ammount of upgrades ive put into it , but i suppose its worthwile ringing them