Project: PSU Repair

hardware-repairsolderingelectronicstroubleshooting

The Problem

Old desktop PSU stopped working. At first only very sporadically, then constantly. Until I decided it wasn’t safe to keep using and pulled it out.

Burnt PSU PCB

I contacted customer support because the PSU was still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. But to send them the PSU for check (not even repair), I’d have to pay postage. Then they would still have to evaluate if it was covered by the warranty. And even if they repaired it, the whole process would take weeks.

I ended up just using a friend’s PSU for a few months and then buying one when I upgraded my Desktop.

Now that I have some free time, I’m putting my soldering skills to use. I also want to learn something about hardware debug and repair, which is always usefull.

The Solution

I’m going to put my soldering skills to work and try to fix it!

Current State

I’ve disassembled the PSU and posted on Reddit about it.

And as some folks on Reddit (opens in a new tab) pointed out, this will be a step-by-step approach.

What’s Next

Now I just need time to get to it and refresh the solder on the burnt area and then test it out with a PSU Tester.