OT- power problem?

Randallw · #1 January 6th, 2008, 07:50 AM

For several weeks now I have noticed that the lights in my power supply light up after it turns off. I had another problem I think I fixed but this problem is that when I turn off my computer it stops but then 5-10 seconds later the lights in my power supply flash on and off. I think it's power running because the fans spin in unison. It stops after awhile however I just came to use my computer and it was off but the power supply was flashing on and off continuously. Does anyone know if it might be a power supply problem. I have googled for help on the topic "power supply flashing after turn off" and similar and I find nothing relevant except that power supplies occasionally fail and is easily fixed with a new one. For all I know the flashing is normal and I only notice now because I was investigating my other problem. I have a surge protector.

Xrati · #2 January 7th, 2008, 02:25 PM

Ask the manufacturer what the 'norm' is for your power supply? While LED's my be on, as long as the units cooling fan is off, so should your power supply.

Suicide Junkie · #3 January 7th, 2008, 02:47 PM

If you pull the AC plug, the lights should fade as the capacitors drain.

Consider it a safety feature; if the light is on, you don't want to poke your fingers in.

Randallw · #4 January 7th, 2008, 10:06 PM

ok. it appears to be a flow of power. The light comes on and the fan blows, but it slows down until the fan is doing single, then half revolutions. Then the fan blades sort of jerk slightly because there's not enough power to move it around. Then it stops.

I've been thinking possibly it was glowing when I went to turn it on because someone had just turned it off and it was still dying down, although I don't recall the air blowing.

I sort of thought perhaps it was something like it drawing slight power as it did final maintenance stuff, so I guess the idea that the capacitors are draining makes sense. I've just never noticed it before, but I suppose it's because I pay more attantion after I had to completely blow dust out of everything including the power supply.

Suicide Junkie · #5 January 8th, 2008, 01:28 AM

That's just momentum and then bouncing between the magnets

There are caps in there used to convert the power and stabilize the output. If they don't get discharged safely by the LED, they could shock you.

Randallw · #6 January 8th, 2008, 05:18 AM

It doesn't seem to be something to worry about, but to be clear I mean it stops completely. End of momentum. Then it starts again for 5-10 seconds. anyway, thanks.