When things go wrong...

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 12:57

hey guys,

I have a little problem. My computer has been working fine, no issues what so ever. Until this morning. Que billowing blue smoke and the unmistakable smell of burning. Upon unplugging everything and taking the case outside, I found that both my graphics card and motherboard have melted (more specifically the PCI-E slot).

Now, what do you suggest towards replacements etc.? The graphics card is a brand new 6850, the mobo being an aging P5K SE.

I will be posting up pics later for those who wish to mock, I know I would want to!

Cheers for any help

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 14:20

to be honest, as much as I'd love a full new computer, I just can't afford it. I was wondering if I'd be able to claim on the household contents insurance for a new motherboard (as I have another board sat upstairs) and send the graphics card back for an RMA... saying that though, would it be accepted as the graphics card being the fault? Where do I stand on that?

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 15:06

Not my premiums, but my parents, and they dont seem too bothered... I did bring it up, but we'll see

Looking at it again, it looks like there may have been a short between the mobo and the card, as the plastic seems to have come from the pci-e slot and attached itself to the contacts on the card. However, it was the card that stank of burning plastic (and still does).

See what I mean about the contacts?

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 19:19

Jees, I never thought it could have been the PSU... It's a corsair HX620W, still in its warranty (sp?) so I suppose I could just send it back...

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 19:34

It was liquid cooled, but that was spilt on it after ripping the guts out of my computer. Well spotted though!

Would it be worth trying to clean the crap off of the cards contacts? I'd assume not, but you never know.

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 22:16

I know I should send the components off to the respective manufacturers and get them to check them over, as it would be cheaper than replacing the parts straight out, even if they charge me for sending non-faulty parts back. But I'm a lazy git and it seems a lot of effort.

If I were to try and send them back, do I get in touch directly with the manufacturers or the place I bought them?

Cheers for all your help guys

PS, how can I get rid of the smell of burning plastic?

Drunkenmassacre · 9 Jan 2011 at 22:31

Cheers Ch3m and co, you've been very helpful

Drunkenmassacre · 10 Jan 2011 at 22:51

The smell is in our computer room, thats the problem!

I've been in contacts with resellers etc, so lets keep the digits crossed!