Most Annoying Computer to Fix

Electronic wall art is hard to maintain. Have pity on me.
NOTE: After discussions in the comments, it is apparent that it is almost never safe to open a power supply unit (PSU). There are high-energy capacitors that can maintain deadly (dis)charge even after the unit has been unplugged for a long time. I was actually aware of this and have a tool called a "capacitor discharge tool" for this purpose, but it seems like it's not worth the trouble and risk given how old it is.
It looks like I'll be getting a 100% modular PSU, and just suck it up and do the full reassembly. If I have to replace the PSU after that, I can swap just the unit while leaving the modular cables in place.

[@Daytona60146]

Next build get a Modular Power supply. Fans are easily replaced.

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

Good point. Most of my modular PSUs have at least one fixed cable, but I see from a search that you can get ones that are 100% modular. I guess I'll have to go that route next time.

[@JaxDog-gy4ws]

I would replace the power supply with a fully modular one so that you don't have to run as many cables. Also use cable extensions, some are thinner than regular power supply cables.

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

After the warnings about opening the PSU (and it's old, anyway) replacing it might be the way to go. I'm an old guy, and in my time most "modular" power supplies had at least one fixed cable which is why I didn't bother. But I see there are options for 100% modular, so that seems to be the way to go. Extender cables for a non-modular supply also seems like good strategy. Thanks.

[@walter1824]

Beautiful Walmart (wall mounted art)

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

Brilliant portmanteau 👌

[@ShotGunner5609]

Very nice. I also plan to do an open build for my computer and wall mount it in my room. Doing a mini split ac install right now so itll be right on the opposite aide of the room from that. Allll the cooling.

[@EuroPeeMan]

This is sick! Great job G

[@sparkkplugg8787]

Really cool. I think you are going to have to completely remount it though. I think a build like this would benefit from more modular components. At least if the PSU failed, would could have just replaced the unit and kept all the cables routed through the drywall.

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

Indeed. I think I've now decided I have to get a new, 100% modular PSU from a popular manufacturer so that if it has to be replaced, it should be easy to find a unit compatible with that wiring.

[@flipbreukers6728]

Big question is, does the power supply still deliver a stable 5 and 12 volts. If so it is most likely dust buildup. The danger of opening up power supplies is the built up and stored electricity in the capacitors. You have to make sure they are discharged. Trick to do that is unplugging it from the socket and pushing the on button of your pc. This will drain the capacitors. To be on the safe side let the power supply cool down for 24 hrs or more after doing this. But if you want to solve this for a long period (experience learns that a failing or wobbling fan is the first step in the dying process of a PSU) you'd better disassemble the whole construct and replace it with a new, fully modular PSU. THE Be Quiet! Series is perfect for this. And don't forget to try and keep it dust free since dust is most likely the cause of this all. PSU's are dust magnets.

[@LaneJxe]

That’s gonna take you days 😂

[@TechieSewing]

Live stream it haha ;)

[@TechieSewing]

But that button doesn't work the second time!
I admit that wall art is beautiful :)
Yeah, apart from a normal camera there is nothing wrong with this format. As a TH-camr myself, unless you love editing, it's all too easy to edit way more than you ever wanted. Then if you love it (I do), it still takes more time than you might have.

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

Thanks! I didn't expect how bad my phone camera would be in that lighting until I already recorded it. And you know, the whole point of this new format is to not spend so much time tweaking and reshooting 😅. I'll get out the fancy camera for the next ones. Thanks for the support!

[@JustAnOldPyro]

Just be VERY careful if you replace that fan... hitting an energized capacitor is going to do far more than just tickle.
If you can, I'd suggest looking into 12 volt only power supply / motherboard combinations for when/if they come out so you don't have to worry about such a large bundle of cables going through the wall.

[@penguingames5653]

me personally i would get cable extensions so you could swap the psu very easily, but do not open up thaty psu

[@cunubis4138]

Never open a power supply, even if shut down completely you can still lose your life, sadly you have to replace the whole psu, after 10 years also recommended. I recommend a Enermax Revolution D.F. 850W ATX 2.4 if thats available at your location, good luck!

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

I actually have a capacitor discharge tool that I've never used. But I also thought that the fan would be close enough to the surface I wouldn't need to get near any caps. But you're right, this probably falls in the category of something I shouldn't be doing. Thanks for reminding me about the dangers of electronics.

[@anon_y_mousse]

Personally I think that looks kind of ugly. I've got a standard black box on a little table in the corner beside my desk. No jagged, asymmetrical components with gaudy RGB flashing at me. I never even look at it unless I need to insert a CD or plug in some USB device. Easy to service if something breaks and portable if I have to move again, which hopefully I'll never have to move again because that sucked so much.

[@ObsessiveEngineering]

Admittedly, I think it looked cooler a few years ago when I had a more modest GPU on there. I don't like the look of this monster GPU but it's a powerhouse for gaming, video editing and AI stuff so I kept it for its performance.
I have a few computers and this one is meant to be artistic. The rest are for value, maintainability and upgradability (and Linux, which I know you're all about 😃)