Computer not powering up

bloodline76 · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:17

My wife just kindly informed me that my computer at home has died. She said that there was a burning smell coming from it

I don't get in until late so what do you guys think I should check first?

Depressing news as I really don't have the money for a rebuild.

edscdk · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:21

the hard drive burt out and took the mob/cpu with it, most likely a complete new rig required and all data will be lost.....

the above scenario is an example of what has probably NOT happened!

most likley its either the PSU - frequently make a smell when burning out - very little chance of anything else being dammaged £30 for a replacement part...

might be the mobo (less likely) gfx (even less likely),

take the PSU out go outside and sniff it.... if it smells of burnt stuff get another!

Clav · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:31

99% sure it just a blown PSU. If you can get your hands on a spare to test it before buying that would be awesome.

bloodline76 · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:32

edscdk said:
the hard drive burt out and took the mob/cpu with it, most likely a complete new rig required and all data will be lost.....

the above scenario is an example of what has probably NOT happened!

most likley its either the PSU - frequently make a smell when burning out - very little chance of anything else being dammaged £30 for a replacement part...

might be the mobo (less likely) gfx (even less likely),

take the PSU out go outside and sniff it.... if it smells of burnt stuff get another!

i have a seperate hd for the os so data should be fine. I think the PS might still be in warrenty. I got it from here so I can check.

bloodline76 · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:33

Clav said:
99% sure it just a blown PSU. If you can get your hands on a spare to test it before buying that would be awesome.

I am not sure I have one spare unfortunately. It's going to be a right pain to reoplace as well because I have cabled tided it all up nicely.

edscdk · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:35

bloodline76 said:
i have a seperate hd for the os so data should be fine. I think the PS might still be in warrenty. I got it from here so I can check.

How does having the data on a seperate drive help?

(does not matter in this case as I just jsut messing with ya)

bloodline76 · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:42

edscdk said:
How does having the data on a seperate drive help?

(does not matter in this case as I just jsut messing with ya)

Well if the hard drive failed and the data is on a different drive, it is unlikey to effect those too.

bloodline76 · 29 Sep 2011 at 10:54

Well stripped it down and unplugged every thing. Plugged power back in and it does kick into life.

Have got the graphics card out. Could be the issue. Does that rule out the psu. I didn't start the computer up completely as I had the hearsink off the CPU. That doesn't look fried.

Can't find my thermal paste now. Is artic silver 5 still one of the better compounds?