Bad Power Supplies

I just had a month old 550w power supply die on me, and it replaced a 350w power supply that died.  I now have a 420w power supply, but should I be concerned?  What is it causing my power supplies to fail?

Could be poor mains supply - frequent spikes, over-voltages, etc. can potentially be harmful to your PSU. Consider getting a decent surge protector, and maybe having your mains checked out by an electrician.

>>2  Speaks Wisdom.  But Electicians have this distressing need to get paid, so here's some things you can do.
What other stuff's on the same circuit?  TV?  Microwave oven?  Portable electric space heater?  A big electric motor?  A window AC?  I used to live in a very old building and I could not run any two of the above.  I learned to practice "Power Management".  Turn off the TV before starting the microwave etc... , and never ever, use any power hungry device when my computer was on.
May Sparky, the deity of all that is electrical smile upon you. 

>>3

Not at all, in fact, my computer is setup in a room with only one computer desk.  I also have my PC hooked up to a UPS AND a surge protector.  I just don't understand what is causing the faulty power supplies.  This last one that died (the 550w ps) made a really strange smell.  I could notice it too.  So maybe it was just defective.

When they die, crack 'em open and see what's wrong.  I know my old switching PSU died because of a capacitor leak.

>>4
A UPS /is/ a surge protector, so that's redundant. Most UPSes want to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, too.

>>6

i have a power strip/surge protector plugged into the UPS, is what i meant.  i have a lot of power cords. <3

>>6

correct.  my ups is plugged into the wall outlet.

>>8
Then a power surge protector is at best redundant.  I have no clue if the combination is an issue.
Are you in an apartment?  The power issues could stem from other people.
And, >>5 offers good advice.  What's failing?  Same component every time?  Then I'd bet money it's a power issue.  If not, then the options are:
1.  Low quality PSUs are like a bargin brake job.  Install a quality one, rated at least 20% over the systems requirements.
2.  Wave a Kosher dead chicken over your computer Three times.
Lastly, remember that sometimes, Shit Happens®.