Burning smell from computer?

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Eclipsy

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Jun 27, 2013
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Hello, I have been having a smell from my computer for the past week and I can't figure out what it is.

It happened 2 hours after I blue screened playing a game but I only smell it and no one else in my house does. Haven't had any problems with my computer since then at all besides this smell.

I have also cleaned down my entire computer and it is still making the smell.

System Model: Dell XPS 630i
OP: Windows XP Professional 5.1
GPU: Nvidia Geforce 8800 GT
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8200 @ 2.66 GHz
 
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Eclipsy

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Jun 27, 2013
18
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10,510
I don't know much about computers but I looked at the power supply the best I could and I don't know if anything is wrong with it.


Also, I get when I start up my pc, "bios failed to post" after my graphics card started to make a noise and I fixed it by cleaning it.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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You wouldn't be able to tell if a PSU has gone bad from the outside (unless it literally exploded), to physically see if its bust you would have to open the unit up, which is not recommended as there are capacitors in there that can hold a lethal charge for months after being disconnected from power.

OK, so the motherboard isnt POST'ing. How its telling you that on the screen I have no idea, as POST is needed for pretty much anything to work.
Has your computer worked since it blue screened or is this only recent?
 
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Eclipsy

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Jun 27, 2013
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10,510



My computer has been working fine since I blue screen a week ago. The motherboard not post'ing has been going on for atleast two months.

And my computer has been louder since I cleaned out the fans. I don't know if it was suppose to do that or not.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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OK, so the PSU failing hasn't killed your machine (yet), I still recommend you replace it soon.

So it failing to POST is an intermittent thing, I would just put that down to the computer being old rather than any specific issue. You could run through general troubleshooting to see if that fixes it. Its probably an electrical short that's causing it, so reseating the motherboard and cleaning the case of dust might just do it.
 
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Eclipsy

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Jun 27, 2013
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Well, I don't know where to start honestly since I am no good at computers.
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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Heres a troubleshooting guide.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems
Some of them you wont need to do since its covering it from a new builders perspective, not a computer with problems perspective.

I would start with just unplugging everything from the mobo (take a picture if you don't know where everything should go back) and taking it out of the case. You should only need a Phillips head screwdriver to do so. Clean the case with a can of compressed air, then put the motherboard in and hook it all back up.
 
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Eclipsy

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Jun 27, 2013
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I fixed the bios failing to post by going to default bios. Still smelling the smell though. Darn.

I'll look at that PSU and hopefully can buy soon.

Should I be worried if it won't fit or should it easily fit?
And the fact I won't know how to take it apart.

And since you skipped over a question I had, is my PSU fan suppose to be making more noise than usual after cleaning it with a can of compressed air?
 
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manofchalk

manofchalk

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May 11, 2012
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Yeah, the BIOS isnt going to fix an ailing PSU.

From what I'm seeing of your machine, it seems to use standard ATX form factor parts. The PSU I recommended should work with your rig fine.
Its as simple as disconnecting the cables from the PSU to the motherboard and whatever else, pulling it out, putting in the new PSU and hooking it back up. Only tools you will need is a Phillips Head screwdriver.
I can link you to a couple of build guides which show how everything is hooked up.

I cant really answer that. It would make sense that after its cleaned that it would spin slower (therefore quieter), since it doesn't need to try as hard to cool the components. But on the other hand, you could have knocked out some dust from the fans inner workings and so now its spinning faster without that obstruction.
 
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Eclipsy

Honorable
Jun 27, 2013
18
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10,510


Post some incase I need one
 
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Eclipsy

Honorable
Jun 27, 2013
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10,510


Well, should I just try to stay away from getting on my computer?

And that is it still right for the PSU to make the smell even if the computer is off but the extension cord is still plugged in?

And any easy guides for the PSU is nice too.
 
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