Linux Questions

Probably just age. 12 years is getting up there and that pop was likely a capacitor blowing, they only last so long and they've had quality control issues over the years.

Because you have a Dell you probably won't be able to use a normal replacement power supply. Providing a pic of the cables coming out and their connectors would be useful.

Damn, 12 years of non-stop operation? If I was your power supply, I'd be dead too.

Yes, power supplies can absolutely fail due to age. Namely, the electrolytic capacitors that smooth the incoming AC (and in other places smooth the switched secondary voltages) are only rated for a certain number of hours of operation before the electrolyte starts to break down, and when they fail, the electrolyte begins to boil and can build up pressure and then rupture with a bang exactly like you describe.

Temperature and operating time are both factors in how quickly capacitors fail, so the fact that the computer was left on most of the time for 12 years means that the caps were probably running at elevated temperature nearly all the time.

In terms of what makes a "good" power supply, the short answer is that, unless you have an electrical engineering degree, the reputation of the brand and the efficiency rating of the power supply are your best indicators. Big OEMs like Dell are likely trying to cut costs in their desktops, so the power supplies in OEM desktops may actually use cheaper components and worse build quality than the power supplies that enthusiast PC builders use in their rigs.

Many modern power supplies are rated on the "80 plus" rating system-- meaning the power supply is more than 80% efficient, although nowadays many power supplies are more like 90% efficient and may be rated "80+ gold" or "80+ platinum". A more efficient power supply is losing less power as waste heat, so the components run cooler and last longer.

That looks like it is a standard ATX power supply, so almost any power supply on the market should fit. Unfortunately, most 80+ gold PC power supplies would be much more expensive than you probably want, but something like a humble Thermaltake 500W power supply would be 80+ rated, made by a brand people have heard of, and costs around $40. For 5 bucks more, it may be more reliable than some no-name OEM power supply replacement.

If you look in the upper left corner of that sticker you posted an image of, it says Model L300NM-01.

The Dell 300NM-01 (also listed as B300NM-01 or L300NM-01) is a 300-watt power supply unit (PSU) designed for various Dell desktop models, particularly in mini-tower (MT) form factors. If you haven't added any hardware, it's probably OK.

Here is a link to that PS on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/L300NM-01-PS-6301-06D-Replacement-Supply-H300NM-00/dp/B09JG2JDHM

I found it by searching amazon for Dell 300NM-01.

If you think I am up to something, search amazon for that.

If you have added more hardware or changed existing hardware (hard drives, DVDs, etc.)

you should use a power supply calculator to see how much power you need

Choose from any of these:

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/power-supply-calculator

https://www.coolermaster.com/en-us/power-supply-calculator/

https://www.newegg.com/tools/power-supply-calculator

Or any others you find online.

Here is the manual for your machine:

https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_inspiron_desktop/inspiron-3847-desktop_reference%20guide_en-us.pdf

Just pickup a used replacement power supply off a site like eBay. Hopefully the rest of the machine is fine but you won't know until you have working power. The pop you heard was one of the capacitors failing inside your current unit which means it is toast.

Safety note: Under no circumstances should you attempt to use or open up your current power supply. Trash it as it is now a safety hazzard.