PCA Forums

I just sent a computer I built and was repairing back with someone, and when he turned it on at home smoke came out of it. He turned it off thankfully, though he turned it back on again later, and even more smoke came out. He said the computer ran fine. What could be going on? The biggest culprit I can think of is the power supply, but I don't know what could be wrong with it, since it worked at my house just fine. Maybe something got jostled around in the car on the way there? I just need some ideas so I know what to look for when I examine it tomorrow. I will bring along an extra power supply. I'll also check to make sure no fans are hitting cables or ribbons or anything.
Thanks for any tips or advice.

JMan

I'd check wires (short maybe), mobo, peripherals and power supply. I've had that happen a lot before on some I built and it was always the power supply. Except another time when one spilled coffee over the system and it got inside the vents.

If you see no visable traces of anything you may have to turn it on to see where it's coming from. Especially if it is the power supply. Could be a wire got loose and isn't making good enough contact so I'd be sure all are in good.

maybe a loose screw in the psu?

check the entire mobo for scorch marks...especially the backside....

make sure all molex's are properly plugged in and the spares are electrical taped off

double check the cd audio cable ( )

make sure he didnt flip the 110/220v switch....

check all ide and power cables for abrasion....


etc....

Tell him if he boots it up again to take some pics !! (j/k)

It turns out I'm an idiot, in case any of you need to be reminded. I put the DVD sound connector into the internal speaker pins instead of putting it into the soundcard. The cord melted and burned and charred the bottom of the case.
It runs fine now that I sorted out the wires, but I feel just a little bit dumb.

JMan

MAN are you STUPID !!!!!!!!

(j/k)

Originally posted by LoneWolfX1X
double check the cd audio cable ( )

I am teh winnar!!1

Originally posted by JMan
It turns out I'm an idiot, in case any of you need to be reminded. I put the DVD sound connector into the internal speaker pins instead of putting it into the soundcard. The cord melted and burned and charred the bottom of the case.
It runs fine now that I sorted out the wires, but I feel just a little bit dumb.

JMan

did you plug the audio cable into a fan header???

No, into the internal speaker header (next to the pins for the power switch, etc.)
And congrats to LoneWolf

JMan