We recently highlighted some possible issues involving two models of Gigabyte power supply units (PSU) that were apparently dead on arrival or worse, exploding without warning. The YouTube channel Gamers Nexus had exposed the issue, with multiple Gigabyte PSUs either exploding in their tests or reaching them already faulty. Gigabyte has since responded, and will also be replacing any of the affected units.
According to Gigabyte, they claim that the 750W Gigabyte GP-P750GM and the 850W Gigabyte GP-850GM were failing due to the ‘over power protection’ (OPP) safety feature. Essentially, OPP acts like a fuse of sorts, which shuts down the PSU if it detects too much power flowing through the PSU. The OPP for both PSU models was set to trigger at 120% to 150%.
Gigabyte says that the high wattage testing done by their ‘media partners’ (presumably including Gamers Nexus) was close to the OPP, but not enough for it to kick in, leading to prolonged use at extremely high loads. This in turn led damaged the components in the PSUs.
“We were made aware by third parties of concerns regarding potential issues of the GP-P850GM and GP-P750GM tripping at high wattages when tested via DC Electronic Load equipment for extended lengths of time repeatedly close to the 120% to 150% OPP trigger point.
This level of extended testing could severely reduce the lifespan of the product and components of the GP-P850GM and GP-P750GM,” – Gigabyte, in a statement
In response, Gigabyte has adjusted the OPP on both the Gigabyte GP-P750GM and GP-850GM so that it would trigger much earlier. Both PSUs will now shut down once peak wattage hits around 110% to 120% of its maximum wattage. That being said, they stress that the issues discovered by Gamers Nexus occurred after ‘long time periods of extreme load testing’ and isn’t how it would typically be used in the real world.
Furthermore, Gigabyte will be issuing a return and exchange service to owners of the two power supplies with the following serial numbers. They say that if you own one of these PSUs and its serial number isn’t included, it’s OPP has already been amended.
Gigabyte GP-P750GM serial number SN20243G001301 to SN20453G025430
Gigabyte GP-P850GM serial number SN20343G031011 to SN20513G022635
However, it should be pointed out that this doesn’t exactly tackle the fact that a large number of these PSUs were reported to be dead on arrival anyway. On top of that, Gamers Nexus had these Gigabyte PSUs explode at just 60% load, not only during extreme peak wattages. Gamers Nexus also responded to Gigabyte’s statement that, saying that their PSUs exploded in less than two minutes of testing, not the ‘extended lengths of time’ that Gigabyte claimed in their statement.
Nevertheless, if you do happen to own either the Gigabyte GP-P750GM or GP-P850GM, we suggest you take advantage of the return and exchange service if your serial number matches the above. You’ll have to contact either the Gigabyte Malaysia Service Center or check with Gigabyte Malaysia’s online customer service support on their website first.
It’s easy to miss just how important a good power supply unit when building a desktop PC. The PSU is responsible for powering up quite literally everything in your computer, and a bad PSU can lead to random crashes, blackouts and in worst case scenarios damage your hardware or cause a fire. So if you’re building or getting a new PC, always ensure the PSU used has reliable reviews from a recognised manufacturer, and never cheap out on the power supply.
