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computer died just a moment ago

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  • ebergerlyebergerly Posts: 3,255
    edited June 2018

    GPU's throttle or shut down to protect themselves from overheating. "Cooking" is unlikely.

    Post edited by ebergerly on
  • NGartplayNGartplay Posts: 3,402

    Oh wow, thanks for all the great advice.  I had a PS go bad in my W98 but it didn't take anything with it when it died.  I just bought a new PS and installed it and the computer was fine.  Gave it to my in-laws and eventually it went to my mother.  I didn't know that a bad PS could take out more hardware.  That is enough to make me want to get a new one asap.  I'm gone over the 4th of July but I'll do it when I get back.

  • AllenArtAllenArt Posts: 7,175

    If a dying PSU sends a surge thru the rest of the components then it can blow out processors, memory and capacitors and resistors. And believe me, you'll remember the stink of a burning resistor. LOL. Peeeeeuwuh.

    Laurie

  • ebergerlyebergerly Posts: 3,255
    edited June 2018

    I think the issue is more about the quality of the PSU, not necessarily the size. Power supplies generally have components inside that limit spikes and regulate the output voltage so as to not cause damage. They have filters, MOV's, regulators, overload protection (like fuses), etc. 

    The issue, IMO, is more about whether the PSU you buy is a cheap piece of junk without the necessary protection, or a quality/name brand unit that has those protections designed in. 

    I'm trying to imagine how a decent power supply can cause such fluctuations in the 5v or 12v power to cause damage to all connected components. Now if there was a ground in the wrong place (motherboard, component, etc.) I can see a short circuit maybe could cause damage. Or maybe some voltage spikes came in from the utility and were too large for the power supply to control and it went thru to the motherboard? Seems unlikely.  

    I'm guessing a failure of a bunch of components is difficult to really diagnose, so I guess the tendency might be to assume the power supply. 

    Post edited by ebergerly on
  • AllenArtAllenArt Posts: 7,175
    edited June 2018
    ebergerly said:

    I think the issue is more about the quality of the PSU, not necessarily the size. Power supplies generally have components inside that limit spikes and regulate the output voltage so as to not cause damage. They have filters, MOV's, regulators, overload protection (like fuses), etc. 

    The issue, IMO, is more about whether the PSU you buy is a cheap piece of junk without the necessary protection, or a quality/name brand unit that has those protections designed in. 

    I'm trying to imagine how a decent power supply can cause such fluctuations in the 5v or 12v power to cause damage to all connected components. Now if there was a ground in the wrong place I can see a short circuit maybe could cause damage. Or maybe some voltage spikes came in from the utility and were too large for the power supply to control and it went thru to the motherboard? Seems unlikely.  

    I'm guessing a failure of a bunch of components is difficult to really diagnose, so I guess the tendency might be to assume the power supply. 

    This was quite a few years ago (more than 10), so maybe the tech has improved by now but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Pay a little more now so I don't cry later ;).

    Laurie

    Post edited by AllenArt on
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