How to replace a blown PSU **URGENT**

[nrmsmith]

Hi there

Just had a disaster with my Novatech PC System PC-0879T (Serial# 7084498-001) bought about 18 months ago.

Smell of burning followed by loud popping sound. Now PC won't bootup and smell strongly from the PSU unit. Since the PC is out of warranty (I guess); I want to replace the PSU myself -BUT HOW TO GET THE OLD ONE OUT??

The top of the mini-tower and the backside panel (behind the mobo) both appear to be riveted permanently in place. I have removed 4 screws from the back of the PSU but the PSU remains firmly fixed in place (I presume by further screws I can't get access to).

HELP. PLEASE. I URGENTLY NEED TO GET THIS PC WORKING AGAIN!!

Thanks in advance
NigelS

PS The PSU is a Hiper Type R 480W unit described (laughingly) as a High Performance PSU.

[Jonny2Bad]

Have you taken the side panel off the pc then tried to gently lift out the psu after disconnecting all the wires, no psu is rivetted in place for obvious reasons.

[nrmsmith]

I did not say the PSU was rivetted in place - the side panel (behind the mobo) is riveted, not screwed into place.

There are four screws attaching the PSU to the end panel - I have removed these but the PSU remains firmly fixed in place. I presume it has further screws I can't get access to behind the panel I can't remove.

NigelS

Yes there will be more screws inside the case. So you will need to gain access to the case, which every case should allow you to do, you mentioned how the case side panel behind the mobo was riveted, well that’s normally the case(pardon the pun) as that is not the side of the case you will need to open up. I can't tell you exactly how to open your case, as they all vary, but on my case I can only remove the side panel that is on the left of the case(when looking from the front), all I do is un-screw 2 screws on the rear and slide the side panel off (away from the front).

My friend recently had the same problem as yours, he took his computer to an independent computer shop, which replaced the PSU for about £30 I think, but it could have been done cheaper if he had replaced it him self.

If you can, it might be an idea to post some pictures up of your case.

J_D

[nrmsmith]

on my case I can only remove the side panel that is on the left of the case(when looking from the front), all I do is un-screw 2 screws on the rear and slide the side panel off (away from the front).
J_D

Yes, that's how I took the front side panel off. But the back panel (behind the mobo is different. There are no screws on the end panel only two rivets where screws would normally be.

Perhaps a Nova Tech Guy will be by soon.

NigelS

on my case I can only remove the side panel that is on the left of the case(when looking from the front), all I do is un-screw 2 screws on the rear and slide the side panel off (away from the front).
J_D

Yes, that's how I took the front side panel off. But the back panel (behind the mobo is different. There are no screws on the end panel only two rivets where screws would normally be.

Perhaps a Nova Tech Guy will be by soon.

NigelS

Hang on, when you say behind the motherboard are you on about the case side behind the motherboard or the rear of the case were all the connections are?

Well anyway, to remove the PSU you just need to gain access inside the case from the side of the case, which I think you said you had already done.

Have a look here http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_power.htm

See the second picture, should be able to lift it out once all screws are out

J_D

[Coops]

You don't need to take off both panels.

The other panel is riveted because there is nothing to service behind that panel. Thats how they come from factory.

Once you have removed the screws from the PSU and disconnected the cables you should be able to slide the PSU backwards a little bit and then slide it out from inside the case. IT should not need anything else. Well that i remember about that case.

[nrmsmith]

Hi J_D & Coops

Thanks both. You were right, the PSU just needed the 4 screws removing and a little force to slide it backwards out of the case. It was fitting a bit tight and didn't seem to want to move which is why I wrongly thought there were other screws attaching.

PSU is now removed. My next question is to Coops: given that the PSU Manual that came with the Hiper 480W supply says it is warranteed for three years, can I assume that Novatech will replace it for me if I now arrange to send it back for replacement.

Thanks
NigelS

[Coops]

The warranty is with Hiper as they are the producer of the product, however my understanding of this situation is that we will obviously deal with the warranty on your behalf.

The best thing to do in this situation is to phone our tech support and speak to them as they will also be able to arrange RMA number for you. They will be able to explain situation of what will happen to you.