Computer flash bang

[edgars70]

Hi,

I have an old pc, AMD Athlon, that I have been using for years with no problems. Last weekend when I switched on the pc, there was a bright flash and a bang. I assumed it was the PSU that had failed as there was a faint whiff of smoke. I took the PSU out and replaced it with a spare one I had. However, when I reconnected everything and switched the pc on again, the same thing happened.

When I put the spare PSU into the PC and turned on the power switch on the PSU, the motherboard light came on. It was when I powered on the PC from the front panel that the flash and bang occurred.

I've not checked the fuse in the power cord, but thinking about it, I used a second power cord when I switched to the second PSU. Could there be a short circuit that is blowing the fuse? The mains power did not trip.

Any ideas before I strip the computer down and rebuild it (hoping that the PSUs are not effed)?

Thanks in advance

[Tattysnuc]

As far as I know, the thing that usually physically go bang electrically are capacitors. Check them to see if any have leaked/popped.

Sniff the power supplies. You should be able to smell one that has burnt out quite distinctly.

[Phage]

Dodgy power switch. Have you tried switching it on by either shorting the pins on the front panel connectors ?
However, after those sort of discharges, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing is now toast. Is you data backed up ? If not, remove the HDD to a known good PC and copy it over.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I thought for one moment you were using a computer as a means of temporarily blinding people!

It does sound like there is some short circuit in your system. I would examine the motherboard to see if there is any visible damage and also any wiring in the system.

[edgars70]

I thought for one moment you were using a computer as a means of temporarily blinding people!

No, but it is a good way to make you jump.

Thanks for all your help.

I did not look at the motherboard in detail, but will check it. I saw that the motherboard light was on when I installed the spare PSU, so I assume the motherboard was ok. I will check the it and I also check cables to make sure none have worn through.

To be honest, the bangs, flashes and the fear of electrocution makes me feel it is time to bin it.