SMOKE from case!

[CJW]

Smoke was coming from my case not too long ago & I haven't used the comfuser since. Today I opened the case to inspect its components. As you can see from the pic below, a SATA connection was cooked.

The SATA was going to my optical drive, so that may be a relief. But even after the SATA is disconnected, it still smokes if I try to start the comfuser. My questions are:
Is there a way to check the rest of the components before I go out to buy a new PSU (which I will do anyways)?
I was thinking of cutting off the burnt SATA connection & twisting the end off into a wire cap, will that work well? I'd like to test the rest of the comfuser just to make sure the PSU is the ONLY item that needs replacing.

 

[kbrady1979]

Power down the system and flip the switch/unplug the PSU from the back. Hold down the power button on the computer for 10-15 seconds to make sure all the power is drained. Unplug the PSU and take it out. If you have another power supply laying around, use that to plug in the ESSENTIALS and see if it will boot. Probably best to trash the old PSU. If you want help picking one out, let us know what your system configuration is and we can go from there.

If you have another computer at your disposal, or a friend has one, you can test out some components such as drives and cards before you buy another PSU. If not, best way is to just buy another PSU and plug it all up and see what's what.

 

[paulpicks21]

I had a similar problem (see pic) I fixed it with a simple reboot

But on a more serious note, sounds lucky your whole PC or house didn't go up!

Kelly's advice is good, follow what he said and you can't go far wrong.


Paul.

 

[kbrady1979]

Paul, I think your problem was not enough case fans! Airflow is an important part of any rig.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

I would look at a quality PSU made by Seasonic, Corasir, Antec, Thermaltake or CoolerMaster. I have 3 Ultra's and they all have lifetime warranties but a recent Seasonic purchase has me leaning towards them if you can pop for the extra cash.

SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com

http://biz.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1583410&CatId=5440

 

[mjf]

Unbelievable!
@CJW just dump the PSU and get a quality brand. They aren't that expensive. The connector damage suggests that something was shorting at the connector.
@paulpicks21 is that a real photo of your PC?

I built a PC for a disabled young man and recently gave it a clean out. I could not believe the amount of dust and rubbish the PC had accumulated in just a few months. Stating the obvious - never leave your PC on 24/7 unattended.

 

[Solarstarshines]

PSU ColorsIt 500w

I'm sorry to say but everyone here is right you have a great build with some quility parts why was the PSU the one you skimped on ?

Don't you know skimping on something like that can cost you your rig ? do yourself a favor spend 89.00 bucks get a 550 wat 80 + be much safer

 

[GeneO]

Another good reason to go modular