My computer has blown up, but why?

Streeteh · 11 Oct 2008 at 16:43

Last night my computer switched itself off and refuses to switch on again. When it occured it produced a strange burning smell and now when i try and switch it on one of two things will happen, firstly the power light and any LEDs on my USB devices will blink constantly for a few seconds then stop, or the computer will emit a loud, high pitched whining noise.

Would i be correct in assuming my 580W Hyper PSU has finally kicked the bucket? If so what is the likelihood of it taking out the rest of the computer with it? I'm still running an AM2 setup so obviously sourcing replacement parts isn't going to be easy and i really can't afford a complete rebuild very easily so i'm rather concerned. I've already ordered a new PSU as i've decided the Hyper was a ticking timebomb anyway, and even if it's fine i'd rather have a more reliable make for piece of mind (I bought a corsair, they're supposed to be ok aren't they?)

Thanks in advance for any help.

Streeteh · 11 Oct 2008 at 17:36

Monkeynut said:
Hiper

Oh dear.

D:

Do they often take out other components when they go? I know they had a reputation for popping, but don't know how catastrophic the results typically were.

Streeteh · 12 Oct 2008 at 14:44

cheers for the input/advice/general words of encouragement. I always meant to replace the hiper but never got around to it, foolishly i thought i would be immune to the exploding death-box it appears to be. Also good to hear people recommending the 520W Corsair PSU as that happens to be the one i ordered as a replacement, i've ordered it to arrive on wednesday, i'll post here just to let everyone know how my luck has held up in respect to other fried components.

Streeteh · 15 Oct 2008 at 11:30

Just an update for anyone who was curious, my Corsair 520w arrived today, first impressions were how much better the build quality was in comparison to the hyper, ho hum, live and learn. Plugged it in, fired it up, on my first boot attempt the system hung, second attempt it's now up and working. I *hope* it'll be fine from here on out, the past couple of months have been rather harrowing, first i lose the internet for a month, then my logitech z-5500s blow up, then my PS3 blows up, then my central heating breaks followed shortly by my PSU blowing up, if karma exists, it owes me big time

Streeteh · 15 Oct 2008 at 11:47

Chimerical said:
Invest in surge protectors for electrical items?

I have, got one for my PC and one for my TV stand devices, it's just a streak of bad luck tbh, it happens.

Just saw the corsair 650W is now on a 'this week only' offer and is now £6 cheaper than the £70 i paid for the 520W... see, told you i had back luck.

Streeteh · 15 Oct 2008 at 14:52

I've taken up a RMA with hiper, i'll feel guilty for a while, but i think i'm going to sell it on an auction site to recoup the cost of this new corsair PSU.

kppanic said:
Your problem may lie somewhere else other than the computer PSU...

I'd investigate the problem...

When i say everything has blown up, i am exaggerating for comic effect i'll admit. My PS3 had issues with its bluetooth receiver failing to connect, my logitechs had the standard popping issue but had escalated to an unbearable level so needed to be replaced and the Hiper is... well a Hiper, they all did break within the past two months though hence why i feel like i'm cursed. I'm fairly confident everything is fine in terms of wall sockets etc but i can see why you say this considering the way i worded my previous post. Apologies.