StarDestroyer.Net BBS

Last night, my computer started sparking in the back roughly around the PSU. While power is still running, nothing is showing up and its clear from the smell that something either melted or shorted out. I'm going to take it into the shop tomorrow, but I have sneaking suspicion that I'm going to have to dip into my new computer fund that I set up after last year's PSU scare.

Thoughts?

Did you open it up?

Yes. Aside from the usual dust particles, nothing appeared wrong, but then again, what do I know about computers?

How old is the PSU in question? And I assume nobody else has access to the box?

General Zod wrote:How old is the PSU in question? And I assume nobody else has access to the box?

Replaced about a year ago (in the Tech 1.0 thread). And no, no one else has used the box except me.

It's at the very least a fried power supply...and if you're lucky, that's all it is. I've also seen a fried powersupply crisp most of a system, so until you replace the PSU, there's really no telling what else is or is not screwed. Have a glance at the capacitors on the board, though...if any of them are visibly blown, you're up shit creek as far as at least one part is concerned. Also look for scorch-marks and melted plastic, particularly around power connectors on the board.

We'll see when I take it in. But the system is a Windows ME and over five years old and has been in need of repairs often as of late. Part of me feels that there comes a time when one should stop putting money into repairs and just begin over, so we'll see.

Update -- Ladies and gentlemen, the new system is running like a top and I'm still configuring it, but it's safe to say that I'm back in the game.

Of course, that means you havn't asked us for specs...so now spill them.

Very well. HP Pavilion a1230n. 200 GB Hard Drive, 1.0 GB Memory, 3700+ AMD Athlon 64 Processor, and ATI Radeon Express 200 Graphics Card. Plus the ususal assortment of DVD/CD/RW. It's taking some getting used to (after four years on the ME), but I think it's the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

First thing you gotta fix there is the graphics, it appears to be intergrated, i'm sure thats an oversight on your part.

Yes, I'll be getting around to that soon enough. I'm actually waiting on two things:

1. One of my friends who has a similiar model and is preparing to do an upgrade including a new graphics card when he has a moment.

2. Capital; the fund I had set up after the PSU scare last year has served its purpose. While there are still some funds present, I'd like to be able to deposit a little more before going back into it.