My computer has exploded

Autocratic · #1 10-20-2006, 05:59 PM

So today I was playing some game demos, namely the latest FIFA and Madden 04. The games both crashed relatively often, and I haven't been having trouble in other games or programs. I did a reformat a couple months ago and have had no real troubles since. Then, during Madden, the computer restarted. The next time, it turned off. I was confused, and tried to turn it back on. No go. I turned it off from the surge protector, then tried turning the surge and computer on. Nothing happened. The next time I tried to press the power button there was a tiny flicker of blue light (I have blue LEDs throughout my PC) and a pop. Something smelled like smoke. I opened up the PC, and it didn't smell too smokey, and nothing seemed to have exploded. Nothing seemed terribly out of place, but I'm no expert. Is this most likely a power supply issue, or could it be something else? I am thinking about buying a laptop to hold me over if I need a new case or something, I don't have the time to do any of the rebuilding myself.

blinden84 · #2 10-20-2006, 06:08 PM

Most likely the PSU. Open up the computer, take it out, open it up, look around. You'll likely see a blown capacitor or a black mark somewhere.

Good chance it took other stuff with it though...

Look as well on the motherboard for blown, bleeding capacitors, espcially near the power connector.

Autocratic · #3 10-20-2006, 06:27 PM

I don't currently have a screwdriver to get the PSU cover off. But just wondering, what are my possible courses of action here?

Hand_Crasher · #4 10-20-2006, 08:58 PM

get a new PSU.

nsdjoe · #5 10-20-2006, 09:02 PM

[ QUOTE ]
get a new PSU.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. A week or so ago there was a deal at Outpost.com for a 500W Ultra PSU free after rebate. Might still be going on.

Autocratic · #6 10-20-2006, 10:23 PM

Is installing them very difficult?

TomR · #7 10-21-2006, 12:55 AM

Sure sounds like the PSU to me too.

They are very easy to replace, you will need a screwdriver. I wouldn't recommend opening it up, you can get quite a shock if you touch the wrong part inside.

Here is one you can get for free after rebate if you buy before Oct 24: Post on dslreports forum

There are some mixed reviews in that post but I have known of Bobb for years and trust his advice.