Corsair CX430 V2 starting issues

[mdn15]

Long story short, I am converting this PSU for use as a general purpose PSU with binding posts (for micro controller development). I accidentally shorted the binding posts and essentially connected most of the cables (+12V, -12V, 5V, 3.3V, and GND).

When that happened, the PSU would briefly start and shutoff after bridging the PS_ON (green wire) and GND. After a few attempts of trying to get it to start, I noticed some smoke and decided to drop the project for now.

Today I took the PSU and broke out the wires. I added a toggle switch to act as the bridge between PS_ON and GND. Same thing happened (but without the smoke). If just toggled once, it would briefly start and then stop (looking at the PSU fan for indication). I then quickly toggled the start switch a few time (no more than 7) and the PSU started properly. I ran it for 20mins and there was no smoke or noises etc. So I am assuming that I fried the safety circuitry or IC (located near and connect to the PS_On wire).

Is there any way to fix this or bypass it so it starts the first time.

I am also new to this forum so if I am posting in the wrong place, please direct me to where I should post this thread.

Thanks All!

[Phaedrus2129]

He's dead, Jim.

Sorry, you fried something important. It will take more time and money to identify and fix the problem than it would cost to RMA or buy a new one.

[mdn15]

is there any way just to bypass that feature

[Phaedrus2129]

There is no feature to bypass. You smoked something critical. A PWM/PFC MOS or a rectifier or maybe the control IC, I don't know. Point is it's not practical or worthwhile to repair computer SMPS, except maybe the $200+ ones if you have access to a lab and lots of parts. I mean, replacing capacitors sure, but those semiconductor parts aren't something you can pick up at Radioshack. Hell, they don't carry most of those parts at Yellow 3C, which is like Chinese Radioshack on steroids. The cost of the parts and shipping and the time you would spend diagnosing and isolating the problem is not worth it for a PSU you can pick up for $30 on special.



Only places I've been where I think they could repair any random computer SMPS off the streets, no fuss, are Etasis' and FSP's labs. They could do it. But then they have $50k Chroma racks and whole rooms full of parts and Ghz oscilloscopes and engineers with certifications I've never even heard of. You don't need all of that to repair a PSU; but there isn't much middle ground between hobbyists and the professionals.

[mdn15]

Thanks for your quick reply. I have one last question to see if this thing is actually usable.

If i were to use a micro controller to turn this on by producing the quick toggle of a toggle switch using a transistor, and allow the power supply to start and the pwr ok line goes high. Is it safe to use? (I do not plan on over drawing the current as it will be used as a test supply).

Thanks!

[walterm]

There are a number of on line articles on turning a computer power supply into a power source.
No can know what exactly happened internally to this power supply. Not without access to major test tools and knowledge.
Buy a new one. An untrustworthy test supply is really likely to cause you grief.