Pop & Flash PSU

[JDE]

Hi guys,

 

Just wanting a bit of advice on the current situation I'm running into. I've recently upgraded my PC which along with the upgrade decided to go with a new Corsair 1000w PSU. However I've noticed when plugging in the power socket into the wall I sometimes get this Pop noise and Flash coming from the PC. Like I said this doesn't always happen. The first time this Pop and Flash happened I did also get a BSOD. 

 

Is this just a case of I shouldn't be unplugging my PC at all? I do not unplug 3 - 4 times a day its literally one time when I'm going to sleep. 

 

Any advice is appreciated.

 

 

[WereCatf]

4 minutes ago, JDE said:

However I've noticed when plugging in the power socket into the wall I sometimes get this Pop noise and Flash coming from the PC.

That's just the capacitors charging themselves. When the caps are empty, there's an enormous amount of current flowing into them for a very brief period, which causes the spark.

4 minutes ago, JDE said:

Is this just a case of I shouldn't be unplugging my PC at all?

There's no need to unplug it.

[RollinLower]

why would you unplug your PC when you go to sleep tho?

[mariushm]

Stop unplugging your pc from the mains socket. It's not something normal, leave it plugged in. 

 

If you do have to do it for various reasons (like heavy storm coming, and you're worried about lightning strikes) , press the ON/OFF switch in the back of the power supply first, then remove the cable. Same in the other way, make sure the button is on the OFF position before plugging cable. 

 

The power supply has a big capacitor that holds a lot of energy, just in case there's fluctuations in the power quality or very small power failures (of a few milliseconds). When the power supply was not used for some time, that capacitor is fully discharged and ready to suck up a lot of energy to get ready to power the computer. That sudden burst of energy draw is what causes those sparks, and you get more because of the imperfect contact between the plug and your mains socket as you plug the cable into the socket, or into the back of your power supply.  

 

The power supply consumes very very little power while your pc is shut down, usually under 1 watt. it literally consumes less than your TV (while turned off) or about as much as the phone charger you forget plugged in. There's no point unplugging it. 

[JDE]

1 minute ago, RollinLower said:

why would you unplug your PC when you go to sleep tho? 

When I said unplug my pc I mean unplug my surge protector from the wall outlet. 

 

I didn't have this issue with my previous power supply but I understand this is a big upgrade. My knowledge is quite poor when it comes to these things 

[JDE]

7 minutes ago, mariushm said:

Stop unplugging your pc from the mains socket. It's not something normal, leave it plugged in. 

 

If you do have to do it for various reasons (like heavy storm coming, and you're worried about lightning strikes) , press the ON/OFF switch in the back of the power supply first, then remove the cable. Same in the other way, make sure the button is on the OFF position before plugging cable. 

 

The power supply has a big capacitor that holds a lot of energy, just in case there's fluctuations in the power quality or very small power failures (of a few milliseconds). When the power supply was not used for some time, that capacitor is fully discharged and ready to suck up a lot of energy to get ready to power the computer. That sudden burst of energy draw is what causes those sparks, and you get more because of the imperfect contact between the plug and your mains socket as you plug the cable into the socket, or into the back of your power supply.  

 

The power supply consumes very very little power while your pc is shut down, usually under 1 watt. it literally consumes less than your TV (while turned off) or about as much as the phone charger you forget plugged in. There's no point unplugging it. 

Thank you for your detailed response. I will of course follow your advice and keep everything plugged in and on. 

[JDE]

25 minutes ago, RollinLower said:

why would you unplug your PC when you go to sleep tho?

Guess its just a habit I've had over the years. Haven't had this issue before so thought nothing of it. Of course I'll not unplug my surge protector from now on 

[HM-2]

3 hours ago, JDE said:

When I said unplug my pc I mean unplug my surge protector from the wall outlet. 

Leave it plugged with the PSU power switch on at all times unless you need to work on it. That way you aren't repeatedly charging and fully discharging capacitors. 

[JDE]

8 minutes ago, HM-2 said:

Leave it plugged with the PSU power switch on at all times unless you need to work on it. That way you aren't repeatedly charging and fully discharging capacitors. 

Thanks for the feedback. I'll leave everything plugged in from now on. 

[Guest]

8 hours ago, JDE said:

When I said unplug my pc I mean unplug my surge protector from the wall outlet. 

Same thing.  You're discontinuing power to the PSU so the bulk cap drains and needs to recharge for it to power up again.

 

[Ankerson]

What is this?

 

1940 again.... 

 

Been seeing a lot of this lately again...

 

I just don't get it.... 

[JDE]

2 hours ago, Ankerson said:

What is this?

 

1940 again.... 

 

Been seeing a lot of this lately again...

 

I just don't get it.... 

No need to criticise my friend. I've never had this issue before and I've done this with every other computer. 

 

You live and learn. 

[JDE]

2 hours ago, jonnyGURU said:

Same thing.  You're discontinuing power to the PSU so the bulk cap drains and needs to recharge for it to power up again.

 

Thanks Johnny. I saw your previous posts and just wanted to make sure i was in the same boat. I'm leaving everything turned on. Thanks for explaining