Spark on gpu when monitor cable comes into contact

Mono

Mono

Mono

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7 Nov 2005
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247
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Fairly new 980ti in a 100% new parts computer.

When plugging in the HDMI or DVI is see small sparks on the GPU. It all works fine on but I know that is not right and it could short the computer!

The socket they are wired to is fine and it all runs through a surge protected lead (that is new too)

So far I have:

Changed the PSU - Still sparks
Changed the monitor - Still Sparks (more apparent with HDMI rather than dvi
Disconnected all hard drives - Still Sparks

Does anyone know why this might occur? would the GPU be doing this on its own or maybe the new motherboard doing this?

Can ram cause not sure what else to try. Obviously I want to RMA the right thing.

Thanks
 
spoffle said:
When you say on the GPU, do you mean you see them in/on the HDMI/DVI socket on the graphics card as the cable goes in?
Click to expand...

Yes, but even if its not the actual socket (anywhere on the graphics card backplate around the hdmi/dvi slots) I will see a spark.

I have not seen this with previous pc builds so was worried.
 
If it was mine I would stop using it straight away, as you said you don't want it to cause any other damage. If it's under warranty? I would return it to the supplier that sold it.
 
Broady21.pb said:
If it was mine I would stop using it straight away, as you said you don't want it to cause any other damage. If it's under warranty? I would return it to the supplier that sold it.
Click to expand...

So I have tried to narrow it down, its either the motherboard/ram/gpu or bad case wires that must cause this?

Need to figure out which part is causing it before I can return.


Other than that, I have been reading that you should not connect monitor cables while the computer/monitor is on as they carry a current. I knew this but have never seen sparks with other tech before.
 
I saw a small blue spark when plugging in dvi cables whilst on on the rig I had about 4 years ago. Kinda ignored it and never had any issues, kinda figured there was more juice in the cable than expected.
 
Mono said:
Yes, but even if its not the actual socket (anywhere on the graphics card backplate around the hdmi/dvi slots) I will see a spark.

I have not seen this with previous pc builds so was worried.
Click to expand...

From my experience this is normal behaviour. I've actually caught the spark with my hand a few times when blind plugging in the cable.
 
spoffle said:
From my experience this is normal behaviour. I've actually caught the spark with my hand a few times when blind plugging in the cable.
Click to expand...

Yup, and this is a reason why users should ALWAYS connect components while both are DISABLED (both pc and monitor). Sparks will not go away, but components remain undamaged.
 
The PC and monitor are turned off, right? I usually switch mine off at the mains too. Never had any issues doing that.

Killed my old BBC micro like that way back when, nice big fat blue spark, never displayed anything onscreen again other than garbage.
 
your USB port will do the same if you plug a powered device into it (like a powered hub or some usb 3.5" adds)

Again, your machine should be switched off, but coming back to the real world they are pretty resilient these days.

Nox
 
I too have seen this, as long as your components are well bonded to the case there shouldn't be an issue as the spark will not come into contact with any transistors. Modern boards are covered in conformal coating or similar as well, this insulates delicate circuitry providing another level of protection.

Best advice has already been given though, switch everything off when making connections!
 
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