Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

[999999999]

Anyone know if Corsair Builder CX430 PSU have a weak 5VSB circuit?

I built a system with one about a year ago. Nothing special, dual core Athlon II with integrated video and one HDD, DVDRW. It rarely sees a load (never full load, used only to surf the 'net, email and office), idles at about 40W I'd guess, and only runs a few hours a day, staying shut off the rest of the time.

With no changes to the system it recently started shutting off by itself and won't turn on until the PSU AC power switch is turned off and on again. I wouldn't have though it a crossloading issue since the system is basically the same load as an entry level OEM system.

The odd thing is the system is completely stable to POST, boot, and use, then only shuts down after the user has left it sitting idle for a while. Power management's shutdown and sleep timers have been disabled so it shouldn't shut down on its own.

I haven't had a chance to go check out the system and am hoping it is a one-trip repair. Do you think it is likely to be one or both capacitors in the 5VSB circuit? Has anyone else experienced the 5VSB circuit being a problem on Corsair CX430?

[dmill89]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

Considering the Corsair Builder CX430 uses Samaxon GF and/or Capxon caps (with the occasional Teapo thrown in) a failed cap would be a likely culprit, I'm not familiar with any specific 5 VSB issues with the CX430 but the CX430 uses poor quality caps in general and the 5 VSB caps are usually the most heavily stressed (since they are always "on") so it is common for them to fail first, though I would likely replace all Samaxon GF and Capxon caps while you're in there as they are both known to fail and likely will in the future if left alone (you may want to replace the Teapos too but these tend to do ok in PSUs as long as they don't get too hot).

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

^ Thanks. I'm hesitating to replace all the caps because that PSU only cost $15 after rebate, and that I don't have enough of the size/values of cap I'd need while I already have a couple that would work in the 5VSB circuit so I can get it working again right away. Well it does still work but the user is annoyed at having to cycle the AC power switch to get it to turn on.

Anyone know who is still making budget PSU with all Japanese caps? Newegg used to carry a 400W PC Power & Cooling model that was around $45 but they don't seem to carry it any longer and Amazon wants over $100 for it. I may just end up swapping in a different PSU to give me more time to decide what to do and put all new caps in later.

[dmill89]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

Newegg has the SeaSonic S12II 380w for $50, that's probably as cheap as you're going to get with all Japanese caps.
SeaSonic S12II S12II 380B 380W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Of course you never know what you might find on eBay, you can usually find NOS (new old stock) server power supplies on there that are built like tanks and loaded with Japanese caps cheap, though they may not be particularly efficient, quiet, or nice looking (standard grey paint & un-sleeved wires). Older Delta, PCP&C, and SeaSonic units can also usually be found NIB (new in box) for less than $50 (though be aware not all PSUs from these manufactures have 100% Japanese caps, most of the higher-end models do, but you have to research the specific model to know for sure) .

[c_hegge]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

^
My last two Delta workstation units were fleabay scores. I got the DPS-750CB (750W, but not quite standard ATX) for $50, and my current DPS-600MB (600W, standard ATX) for $80. Probably not dirt cheap, but decent considering that they are built like tanks.

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

Thanks again. I saw that S12II but am leaning towards their newer SSR-360GP ($55 delivered on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-80PLU.../dp/B008XEYT5M) as it has some polymer caps in addition to the Japanese 'lytics.

Hopefully that will last the life of the system and I'll be able to take the faulty PSU home instead of doing a field repair.

I'd consider a workstation PSU but one concern is that the very low wattage system consumption may decrease efficiency and then there's the noise factor and size.

Something like a DPS-750CB won't physically fit in the case. It's a reused/upgraded old HP OEM mini tower case that originally had a PS3 form factor (shorter than standard) PSU and it's barely able to fit a standard ATX length PSU without hitting the back of the DVD drive. I vaguely recall I even had to use a right angle SATA cable to get it to fit.

[mockingbird]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB



Looks decent enough to me. You should re-cap it rather than purchase a brand new PSU... I think the 5VSB circuit uses an IC, and I think it's located on that daughterboard near the primary cap.

If you re-cap it, change the Samxon primary, I think I read here somewhere that Samxon primaries are not that great.

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

^ I probably will re-cap it, but I want to get the job done in one trip, the system is remotely located and I don't know if I currently have the right caps to get the job done (probably don't). I had ran through my stash of surplus PSU so it's good to have another spare either way.

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

It's a shame I need a short(ish) PSU, Newegg has EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650 with all Japanese caps for $60 after rebate right now, but it's at least 1cm, maybe 2cm longer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817438005
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/EVGA/NEX750G/4.html

Then again there is no reason to get a 650W PSU for the system in question so the rebate is just more work, but maybe someone else can use this deal as it is tempting.

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

Change of plans, Newegg has an email special for XFX Core series 550W, Japanese caps and $26 after rebate and coupon code... and it's the standard 5.5" length so it'll fit in the case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...tem=17-207-013

[c_hegge]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

...I think I read here somewhere that Capxon primaries are not that great.

FTFY. It's capxon that have had issues as primary caps.

Change of plans, Newegg has an email special for XFX Core series 550W, Japanese caps and $26 after rebate and coupon code... and it's the standard 5.5" length so it'll fit in the case.

I'd say go for it. That unit is a re-badged Seasonic S12II bronze, so it's a good power supply.

[dmill89]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

I'd say go for it. That unit is a re-badged Seasonic S12II bronze, so it's a good power supply.

X2, the S12II platform might not be the "latest and greatest" but it is a good solid platform with Japanese caps and decent efficiency, and it is hard to beat for $26.

[mockingbird]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

$26? They're practically giving it away.

FTFY. It's capxon that have had issues as primary caps.

I'm a bit conflicted on this. Someone here reported a Samxon primary failure. I wonder if it makes a difference whether they're the straight up ordinary leaded models or if they're the terminal type lead ones with the blast shield on top.

Loved your latest PSU roundup BTW.

[c_hegge]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

I'm a bit conflicted on this. Someone here reported a Samxon primary failure.

Possibly, although I'm not aware of any widespread problems with Samxon primaries. It may have been the PFC circuit over-stressing it. CapXon, on the other hand...

I wonder if it makes a difference whether they're the straight up ordinary leaded models or if they're the terminal type lead ones with the blast shield on top.

I doubt if it would directly influence the quality of the cap, although I guess it's possible that the snap-in ones might have better ripple capacity or something. I haven't really looked at the datasheets for them much, though.

Loved your latest PSU roundup BTW.

Thanks!

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

This topic is at an end, I'll grab a bunch of parts and a PSU and get it fixed, but I want to say thanks for all your input, it's the way the internet used to be before all the freeloaders joined in.

[999999999]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

There was nothing wrong with the CX430 PSU.

BAD CASE SWITCH!

Grrrrrrr... It threw me for a loop because the system was shutting down but apparently a contact in the switch was floating around loose and would close the circuit if the user's foot bumped the case.

I didn't take a spare switch with me so I ran over to Radio Shack and got a pack of the following then put a fender washer on it to secure it in the square hole where the OEM plastic switch mount was.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062539

Oh well, I can't complain about having a good spare PSU for $26.

[momaka]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

Just FYI, even though this topic seems to be resolved...

If you have a Micro Center near you, they often have used OEM HiPro/Delta/Newton/LiteON 250W and 300W PSUs for $5 and $9 respectively. The 300W models have mostly or all SATA connectors, while the 250W and 200W models have all standard Molex. But in any case, they are good PSUs, especially the HiPro and LiteON 250W - they have spots for 12.5 mm caps on most rails so finding replacement caps for them is a piece of cake. The HiPros also don't care whether you use motherboard-grade low ESR or just standard PSU low ESR. So when in a pinch of a situation, you have many options.

Beware, though! Sometimes, they also have junk PSUs in those used PSU bins. You may also occasionally find FPS/Sparkle units, but those are not as good IMO.

[CapSwapper]

Re: Corsair Builder CX430 5VSB

I couldn't resist so I got a CX430 for $15 after rebate. This is revision v2.3. It looks they did a little better but not much. solder quality looks a little better. They used a 220uF United Chem-Con cap on the primary instead of the 180uf Samxon. The rest of the caps on the secondary are Capxon crap. there's still no heat sink on the bridge rectifier. Here are the cap values if anybody is interested

Primary
220uf 400V United Chemi-Con (actually reads 185uf)

Secondary
3300uf 16v
(3) 2200uf 10v
(5) 1000uf 16v
100uf 16v