Is it possible for folding to damage hardware?

[Ripshod]

Resolved - Is it possible for folding to damage hardware?

My system:
mobo: Gigabyte GA-890FXA-UD5
CPU: PhenomII x6 1090T
RAM: 8GB (2x4GB) Corsair XMS3
GPU1: HIS HD7950 3GB FAN
GPU2: Sapphire HD5770 Vapor-X
HDD: 2x Vertex3 120GB in Raid0
+: 2 WD100EADS
PSU: Corsair HX850W

This system has been MORE than fine for a few months now. A month ago I decided to fold again now I had the 7950 so I did, and it was great. I was piling through those 8900s like they were nothing. Gaming was also getting good too, was really enjoying my upgrade.

Then along came a 9401 and my future has changed. After seconds folding the 9401 I had a system lockup (this is after the unit runs for 2 minutes CPU only). Nothing in the folding log, nor in the event viewer so that's no help.

Anyways. I can't do anything now. This is a fresh install on Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, with the 13.12 whql drivers, no overclocks and after several bios wipes and installs and I can't do anything 3D. On 2D clocks at the desktop you wouldn't even suspect anything. But load a game or start the gpu folding and instant lockup - sound still runs for about a minute, and I have to reset out of it. Video is fine too. I'm even downclocking the card to 500/800 and still get the crashes.

I know I've missed stuff (was so frustrating so I didn't take notes), so suggestions please???

Tested with alternative RAM and PSU.

 

[Ripshod]

You're not gonna believe this. One of my pci-e leads had a bad connection at the card. Swapped to a spare lead and everything is dandy again. If I'd not tested with another HX850 I'd have seen that.

I really gotta start remembering the basics eh?

 

[Ripshod]

I've just had a look at the plug on the lead I removed. One of the middle pins has melted it's way into the plastic with the heat, so it's been happening over a period. No damage to the socket on the card and the solder looks good. It's possible I may have damaged the plug during assembly. Who can say? No harm, no foul

 

[Ripshod]

yh, the relevant pin has got a blue-grey haze to it now where the others are still shiny. Don't think that'll cause me any problems. I may just remove the plug and check again, but as far as I've seen there's no physical damage to the socket's plastic, nothing burned, and looks like any heat from the arcing didn't make it to the solder, or the solder and copper track acted like a heatsink.

 

[Ripshod]

I actually had the same 4pin problem but not enough to burn. It turned the cable's insulation brown and brittle tho. You don't spot these things unless there's a problem, or if you rebuild.