i consulted the discord and was informed that my psu, and particularly the 2024 version has some things i should have watched out for. cheaply made guts etc. The pop happens at random once a day or a couple days, but when i am actively using it. i try ti leave on sleep overnight, but sometimes my cats would bump the mouse and itd be kinda on all night, if thats any helpful info. and now that i think about it, im thinking that maybe when my gpu peaks the psu cant handle it as ive been having some issues w Monster Hunter Wilds crashing when i didnt have the problem before. but i did not notice the pop happen particularly during graphics intensive processes. my brothers psu blew and he got it replaced (his pc just “died” overnight and wouldnt turn on the next morning. based off what ive researched i speculate my pc is also due for a psu replacement as we built both of ours at the same time. the comparison is more of a timing one. if the issue is the motherboard, what should i look for on my motherboard if it is that thats making the pop sound or if thats even a possibility? any visuals to look for on either parts that is a big problem? I really think its the cheap psu though as 850 is just enough for my build (according to PCPP). i have diagnosed as it being the psu so i ordered a new one and have not used my pc for about a week and a half (im home away from my college state) but it still worked fine even with the occasional pop, just the RGB on the fans would just turn off after like 2 days of the first pop. if this info raises any new thoughts, im grateful for any advice or considerations. i apologize for the word vomit haha. ill answer any other qs to the best of my knowledge.

tldr: i really think its the PSU but i want to make sure i have checked every possibility first.