Pattern to record: Plastic is browned or the plug becomes hot during workload.

Mains and connector safety

Shut down the workstation and isolate every power input using its service instructions if safe to do so. Do not touch hot connectors or rerun professional workloads to reproduce the fault. Do not open PSU enclosures or assume proprietary wiring follows ATX.

Identify the supply and load

A workstation may have proprietary power connectors, multiple processors or high-current expansion cards. Record the installed configuration and OEM supply specification rather than assuming an ordinary ATX replacement is suitable. One possible explanation is that poor contact has created local resistance at a high-current plug.

Workshop checks

1. A technician should inspect the unpowered mating contacts, cables and board sockets for heat damage, short circuits and poor retention. Systems with more than one supply require all relevant power sources isolated.
2. Confirm the OEM connector mapping and installed CPU, GPU and storage configuration from documentation. Record existing event indications without re-energising a suspect connection simply to obtain them.

Repair and loaded verification

Replace heat-damaged mating parts or assemblies as the model requires and correct the cause of poor contact. A burnt plug must not be reused with a new socket. Powered diagnosis is a professional step only after unpowered checks and any necessary repairs have established that it is safe. Using appropriate test equipment and the correct power supply, a qualified technician can then verify cold start, CPU and GPU load, storage activity, restart, extended work and connector temperature. Stop the test if abnormal heating returns.

For an assessment of your professional workstation, contact AEPC in Burswood or call 027 908 8880. Provide the model and the conditions that reproduce this problem. Workshop visits are by appointment.