Computer not turning on.?

Question

I was running the computer at normal rates... no extra stress or overclocking. The power strip I was using suddenly sparked and the CPU turned off.

NOTE: No other appliances (monitor, TV, PS2) connected to the power strip had any problems. They did not shut off nor did they even blank out for a sec.

I believe it's the power supply at fault. It smells burnt now.

All I'm wondering is, Should I look to diagnose other hardware for problems (HDD, Motherboard) or should I just go and get the power supply replaced? I'm afraid I might have lost the data on my HDD.

Also, what could have caused this shutdown and damage? I looked into power surges (voltage spikes), but they seem to focus around what happens in a thunderstorm. It was a right ad sunny day (until this happened). Also, if it was a power surge through the internet line, why didn't it affect my dad's computer, as mine is connected to the internet through his.

Lastly...what can I do to prevent this happening agaion?

Answer 1

Try opening up your computer and checking everything is connected. it might have just come unplugged. mabye your power socket is a bit wierd.

Answer 2

If you plug the computer directly into a good outlet and it won't power on, then the PSU is definitely burned out. If you detect a burnt smell, then you should replace it. Likely you overloaded the power strip, which caused a short that overloaded your computer's PSU. Your outlets may not be properly grounded also. You can buy a testing unit that will show you if your outlets are properly grounded. If not, you may need an electrician to ground them. Replace the power strip and your PCs PSU. Get a good power strip with surge protection.

Answer 3

Yes it Could be your motherboard...and if you did any major upgrades internally you probably overpowered ur power supply....Get a new Power Supply from tigerdirect.com. And a power wattage control system.  

Answer 4

Power supplies are notorious for being cheaply made. Especially low end "bargain bin" power supplies, and ones in Prebuilt PC's (like Dell, HP, Gateway.) To save money they tend to use crappy ones.

Most power supplies (even the cheap ones) have a protective circuit to protect them from frying your whole computer if something goes out. I would try just replacing the power supply first. Maybe test it with a cheapo 20 dollar version. If it works, upgrade to a more expensive one. If not, your out 20 bucks (which is still cheaper than taking it to a shop and having them test it for you.)

In rare cases (I have only seen it once) a power supply can damage other parts of your computer. I had one in a Dell pop loudly, start smoking, and it fried my motherboard, RAM, and hard drive motors. This case is EXTREMELY rare though - I work tech support for a school district so I work on hundreds of computers per week and like I said, have seen this once.

I have probably replace 200 or more power supplies in my time, and every one of them smelt burnt, but the rest of the PC was intact, so definitely check that out first.

As to what could have caused the damage, likely it is just like a said - a very cheaply made power supply. To prevent it from happening again, buy a mid range or high end power supply (if that turns out to be the problem.) They tend to outlast the rest of your PC.

If you try another power supply and still have issues feel free to hit me up again I would be happy to help.

Answer 5

save yourself time and money. unplug everything and have the entire system checked at the geek squad. more than likely your PSU is fried.

power surges are not limited to lightning strikes and a strike can happen several miles from the storm edge. so even though it was sunny where you live there may have been a storm around you. at the very FIRST flash or rumble of thunder i unplug my entire system.

you hard drive will not lose data, it may have been fried with the system, but a surge will not cause it to lose anything.

Internet connections wont cause power to arc across and fry another system.

if you have the time, take the PSU out of your dads system and put it in yours. see if the system will boot. if it does then get a new PSU. if it doesn't take it in and have it tested. be prepared though, if the motherboard or CPU are fried you are looking at building a new system. have your dad turn in a claim with his home owners insurance...

Answer 6

change your power supply and buy an uninteruptable power supply (ups) connect your computer to electricity via ups.