power supply

Am I running the right power? I have a dell dim. 3000, 2.8ghz CPU with a 300 watt power supply. but my CPU fan never shuts off and is loud. I thought maybe the power supply fan was bad cause I'm getting a burnt smell after several hours and the supply is kinda hot to the touch.

 

Power supply's will make a little heat and it's normal if they are warm. IF your CPU fan never shuts off I would check the heatinks and fans for dust.

 

According to the Dell site, it came with a 250w power supply, so 300w should be sufficient unless you have added alot of extras:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/specs.htm

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/specs.htm#wp1076117

 

If the computer is dusty inside then it needs to be cleaned out. However, do not use a hoover/vacuum cleaner on it as this will create levels of static electricity that are lethal to a computer.

Purchase an inexpensive can of compressed air and use it to blow the dust out of heatsinks/fans etc, but prevent the fans from spinning as allowing them to spin may damage the fan bearings. then just use the vacuum cleaner to suck the dust out of the air away from the computer.

This process should be completed every 6 months to keep the system dust free. It may need to be repeated more often if you have pets/open fires/dusty environment etc.