I could use a hand getting my pc started here... calling all techies i suppose. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

sandeep · 03-12-2004, 08:06 PM

Hey folks, this is a bit of a plea for help. Not so much lend me your ears, instead lend me your Years of experience. I'll tell you the story, then give you the specs.

I turned my pc on this afternoon, walked away, and came back a few (maybe 5 or 10) minutes later to a burning smell. Before I got to the PC to turn it off, it shut down. I opened it up and was treated to the smell of burning plastic (or whatever it was).

I've taken the entire pc apart to see if any parts had any damage on them, and they didn't.

So now I'm left with a pc that won't turn on. I'm suspecting the PSU or the Heatsink/CPU. If you guys had ANY suggestions you want to spit out there, I'd love to hear 'em.

The specs on the hardware are right here:

AMD XP 1900+
ECS K7S5A Motherboard
Radeon 9000 Pro 64mb video

I just ordered another harddrive the other day too. It's too bad, I was looking forward to it. (It's a 120 GB Western Digital, 8meg cache. Incase you were wondering).

WarWagon · 03-12-2004, 08:11 PM

I'd start with the easier of the two, the power supply. Not sure if that processor has thermal protection or not, but the Pentiums probably would have restarted once cooled down. You definitely would have seen damage around that processor if that was the culprit too, at least if you're positive the smell was burning plastic.

Homey_V · 03-12-2004, 08:18 PM

Carefully take out each of the addon cards and check them for burn marks and try turning on the computer that way... Also check the PSU Like War Wagon suggested. If you'ry lucky its that rather than an addon card or the CPU.

If you still dont have any luck, pop off your heatsink and check the CPU. I've had one burn out and the only place you could tell was on the processor around the core was a small black ring...

I sure hope it wasnt your proc.

Good luck

saltfish · 03-12-2004, 08:29 PM

Put your nose to the motherboard, give it a good sniff, you'll smell where the smoke came from. If not from the board, then point your beak to the powersupply. The nose knows!

Lemme know when you find it.

-SF

sandeep · 03-12-2004, 11:41 PM

I'll give it a once over smelling for smoke/burntness.

I kind of hope its the PSU as well, mostly because I've wanted to buy a new, larger one for a while but haven't had an excuse.

I'll definitely let you guys know how it turns out.

Thanks for the input.

[edit]
Well I can't get a distinct smell from any part in particular. I'm going to be getting a new PSU, but I was looking for some pointers. I want a giant one. I have 5 Harddrive's, a Floppy and Two Optical drives that I want to be able to power at once.

Any ideas on how much I'll have to beef up PSU-wise in order to power all that? I've been browsing, but any suggestions would help in the hunt. Thanks.

(By the way, if it turns out to not be the PSU afterall, at least I'll have a nice PSU for my next rebuild)

JStrider · 03-12-2004, 11:58 PM

ummm 5 hdd! 2 optical drives...

sounds like it sucks a lot of power... id just go with the highest reputible brand you can find.... itll cost...
at least a 500w.

Destrox · 03-13-2004, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JStrider
ummm 5 hdd! 2 optical drives...

sounds like it sucks a lot of power... id just go with the highest reputible brand you can find.... itll cost...
at least a 500w.

nA, even 400watt would be fine, unless you have them newer motherboards that just soak up the wattage like a sponge, then you'll want the 450 range.

Lasereth · 03-13-2004, 07:08 AM

Sounds like a bad PSU to me!

I'd get an Enermax or Sparkle PSU. With that many drives and components, I'd get 450w or above. Make sure it has enough molex connectors for your drives!

-Lasereth

soopafreek · 03-13-2004, 07:59 AM

check and see if the smell is coming from a surge protector or UPS... hopefully that's where the frying is coming from and not the computer components....

Redjake · 03-13-2004, 07:59 AM

I'd put my money on the PSU being blown. With your setup, I'd recommend at least a 410 watt PSU, higher to be on the safe side. Enermax, Vantec, Sparkle. Any of those will work.

sandeep · 03-14-2004, 01:32 AM

I'm heading out in the morning to pick up a new PSU. I still haven't decided if I'm going cheapo now, and in a few months when I rebuild go large, or just go large now. We'll see how it goes and if I find the one I want.

Thanks for the input guys, I'll let you know how it turns out, and if that is actually the problem.

sandeep · 03-24-2004, 11:26 PM

That took a while, but I finally got another PSU. It's an Antec TruePower 480 Link

The thing is, there's still no juice. I'm still open for suggestions here on my next step.

The thing is, I don't know if it's a bad PSU, or if there is something else causing the problem. The CPU is my next target I guess, but if the CPU goes, I'll end up getting a new motherboard as well.

This is costing me more than I had hoped, but I guess I can't do too much about it, eh?

shakran · 03-25-2004, 08:20 AM

if your new PSU is not powering the system it's most likely chip or mobo damage. Good excuse to do that upgrade now!

sandeep · 03-25-2004, 12:18 PM

Yeah, I know. Its a hell of an excuse. I just wish I had the cash. (Not saying that I won't do it anyways)

shakran · 03-25-2004, 01:48 PM

heh.I don't remember the last time I upgraded a computer when i actually had the money to do it

sandeep · 03-25-2004, 03:45 PM

Yeah, tell me about it. I'm thinking getting an XP 2500+ [Link]

Nothing too big, because I just can't afford it right now. Plus, that CPU comes with a stock heatsink and its only 120 bucks CAD.

I'm not sure about which motherboard just yet, but people seem to love the ABIT NF7-S board, which I can get for 135 from that same site.

I'm going to do a bit of shopping around, see what kind of prices I can get before buying them, but it'll be sooner than later. Hopefully by the end of this weekend.

nothingx · 03-25-2004, 07:22 PM

Quote:

So now I'm left with a pc that won't turn on.

What do you mean by this, exactly? When you throw the switch, nothing at all happens? I guess since you went and replaced the power supply, its probably not that. But if you're not even getting the fans on the power supply to run, I'd see if you threw a breaker in house or something. Does it beep? Usually, if you get power to the mother board, and there's no CPU, it won't beep. If there is something else wrong, it will try to beep at you to let you know there is something wrong.

sandeep · 03-25-2004, 11:25 PM

no beeps. Since the first time, it hasn't turned on, or powered up or anything when i switch it on. i'm in a dorm room, so I can't really check the breaker box, by the way.

crewsor · 03-26-2004, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sandeep
no beeps. Since the first time, it hasn't turned on, or powered up or anything when i switch it on. i'm in a dorm room, so I can't really check the breaker box, by the way.

You can plug something you know works into the same outlet (lamp) to make sure you have power at the outlet. If possible you might want to check for continuity at the power switch.

shakran · 03-26-2004, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sandeep
Yeah, tell me about it. I'm thinking getting an XP 2500+ [Link]

That's what I'm running. It's fast as hell, and runs everything just fine, and I haven't even overclocked it.

btw, nothingx: The motherboard is what turns the power supply on. If it's toast, the p/s won't spin its fan. It requires the circuit to be completed through the motherboard. (actually it doesn't, you can get a paperclip and complete the circuit, but that would be kinda pointless

sandeep · 03-26-2004, 03:37 PM

crewsor: Yeah, the outlet is working.

I wanted to wait until this summer when the 64bit chips are a bit cheaper, but I guess not. I'm happy with the 1900+, but I guess I have no choice right now.

The thing around here is that I don't know where too many computer shops are, because I'm not really from the city.

03-12-2004, 08:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	I could use a hand getting my pc started here... calling all techies [Updated] Hey folks, this is a bit of a plea for help. Not so much lend me your ears, instead lend me your Years of experience. I'll tell you the story, then give you the specs. I turned my pc on this afternoon, walked away, and came back a few (maybe 5 or 10) minutes later to a burning smell. Before I got to the PC to turn it off, it shut down. I opened it up and was treated to the smell of burning plastic (or whatever it was). I've taken the entire pc apart to see if any parts had any damage on them, and they didn't. So now I'm left with a pc that won't turn on. I'm suspecting the PSU or the Heatsink/CPU. If you guys had ANY suggestions you want to spit out there, I'd love to hear 'em. The specs on the hardware are right here: AMD XP 1900+ ECS K7S5A Motherboard Radeon 9000 Pro 64mb video I just ordered another harddrive the other day too. It's too bad, I was looking forward to it. (It's a 120 GB Western Digital, 8meg cache. Incase you were wondering). Last edited by sandeep; 03-24-2004 at 11:27 PM..

03-12-2004, 08:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Homey_V Psycho Location: Canada	Carefully take out each of the addon cards and check them for burn marks and try turning on the computer that way... Also check the PSU Like War Wagon suggested. If you'ry lucky its that rather than an addon card or the CPU. If you still dont have any luck, pop off your heatsink and check the CPU. I've had one burn out and the only place you could tell was on the processor around the core was a small black ring... I sure hope it wasnt your proc. Good luck __________________ You did what with a duck? Last edited by Homey_V; 03-12-2004 at 08:22 PM..

03-12-2004, 11:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	I'll give it a once over smelling for smoke/burntness. I kind of hope its the PSU as well, mostly because I've wanted to buy a new, larger one for a while but haven't had an excuse. I'll definitely let you guys know how it turns out. Thanks for the input. [edit] Well I can't get a distinct smell from any part in particular. I'm going to be getting a new PSU, but I was looking for some pointers. I want a giant one. I have 5 Harddrive's, a Floppy and Two Optical drives that I want to be able to power at once. Any ideas on how much I'll have to beef up PSU-wise in order to power all that? I've been browsing, but any suggestions would help in the hunt. Thanks. (By the way, if it turns out to not be the PSU afterall, at least I'll have a nice PSU for my next rebuild) Last edited by sandeep; 03-12-2004 at 11:51 PM..

03-12-2004, 11:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	ummm 5 hdd! 2 optical drives... sounds like it sucks a lot of power... id just go with the highest reputible brand you can find.... itll cost... at least a 500w. __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto

03-13-2004, 07:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Sounds like a bad PSU to me! I'd get an Enermax or Sparkle PSU. With that many drives and components, I'd get 450w or above. Make sure it has enough molex connectors for your drives! -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

03-12-2004, 08:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	I'd start with the easier of the two, the power supply. Not sure if that processor has thermal protection or not, but the Pentiums probably would have restarted once cooled down. You definitely would have seen damage around that processor if that was the culprit too, at least if you're positive the smell was burning plastic.

03-12-2004, 08:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
saltfish !?!No hay pantalones!?! Location: Indian-no-place	Put your nose to the motherboard, give it a good sniff, you'll smell where the smoke came from. If not from the board, then point your beak to the powersupply. The nose knows! Lemme know when you find it. -SF

03-13-2004, 07:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
soopafreek Psycho Location: ask your mom	check and see if the smell is coming from a surge protector or UPS... hopefully that's where the frying is coming from and not the computer components.... __________________ aaarrrrrgggghhhh!!!!

03-13-2004, 07:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
Redjake I'm a family man - I run a family business. Location: Wilson, NC	I'd put my money on the PSU being blown. With your setup, I'd recommend at least a 410 watt PSU, higher to be on the safe side. Enermax, Vantec, Sparkle. Any of those will work. __________________ Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

03-14-2004, 01:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	I'm heading out in the morning to pick up a new PSU. I still haven't decided if I'm going cheapo now, and in a few months when I rebuild go large, or just go large now. We'll see how it goes and if I find the one I want. Thanks for the input guys, I'll let you know how it turns out, and if that is actually the problem.

03-24-2004, 11:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	That took a while, but I finally got another PSU. It's an Antec TruePower 480 Link The thing is, there's still no juice. I'm still open for suggestions here on my next step. The thing is, I don't know if it's a bad PSU, or if there is something else causing the problem. The CPU is my next target I guess, but if the CPU goes, I'll end up getting a new motherboard as well. This is costing me more than I had hoped, but I guess I can't do too much about it, eh?

03-25-2004, 08:20 AM	#13 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	if your new PSU is not powering the system it's most likely chip or mobo damage. Good excuse to do that upgrade now!

03-25-2004, 12:18 PM	#14 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	Yeah, I know. Its a hell of an excuse. I just wish I had the cash. (Not saying that I won't do it anyways)

03-25-2004, 01:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	heh.I don't remember the last time I upgraded a computer when i actually had the money to do it

03-25-2004, 03:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	Yeah, tell me about it. I'm thinking getting an XP 2500+ [Link] Nothing too big, because I just can't afford it right now. Plus, that CPU comes with a stock heatsink and its only 120 bucks CAD. I'm not sure about which motherboard just yet, but people seem to love the ABIT NF7-S board, which I can get for 135 from that same site. I'm going to do a bit of shopping around, see what kind of prices I can get before buying them, but it'll be sooner than later. Hopefully by the end of this weekend.

03-25-2004, 11:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	no beeps. Since the first time, it hasn't turned on, or powered up or anything when i switch it on. i'm in a dorm room, so I can't really check the breaker box, by the way.

03-26-2004, 03:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
sandeep Insane	crewsor: Yeah, the outlet is working. I wanted to wait until this summer when the 64bit chips are a bit cheaper, but I guess not. I'm happy with the 1900+, but I guess I have no choice right now. The thing around here is that I don't know where too many computer shops are, because I'm not really from the city.