Burnt component/plastic type smell, but I can't see what's wrong

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RealBboy360

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Aug 30, 2013
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The computer never hickuped, I always leave it and and no shutdowns or BSOD.
I opened it up and I can't see anything wrong. I have a asus sabertooth motherboard for AMD chips. Not to much attached otherwise of note. A video card and a OCZ revo 3 pci drive.
I'm guessing it's maybe the power supply and something inside I can't see. Should I just blindly replace it or wait until it fails?
 
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anti-painkilla
You could keep running it, however if there is a problem with the PSU it could fry the other components. If you are worried about it replace the PSU. Up to you, if I thought it was PSU that had made the burning smell I would definitely consider replacing it.
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counterc

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Check all of your connectors first. I have seen everything from a molex to a SATA connector over heat and melt. Check every place that a device plugs into some sort of power connector.
This includes checking your power switch on your front panel. You may have to remove the panel to get a good look but i have seen PC cases short out here on more than one occasion.

I would not suggest blindly replacing hardware because that can get costly. With that being said there is noting wrong with pulling out the parts and giving them a close inspection (and a good sniff for that ominous burnt smell) to see if anything is starting to have issues.

This is just a quick list off the top of my head so I'm sure others will have ideas to add to your solution.
 
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RealBboy360

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Yeah, I think you're right. I just don't feel like pulling everything apart. I looked for melted wires, but didn't see any. I haven't touched anything in a couple months though. Last thing I did was add a big fan to my CPU cus that was getting a little hot at times. The big fan fixed that and seems to be working well. The CPU is always at a decent temp now.
 
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anti-painkilla

anti-painkilla

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I would think it is more likely the PSU, the earthwatts are decent but still my first suspicion. If you can sniff test. Disconnect what you can to rule a few things out. You should be able to run just the PSU, MOBO, CPU (and fan) and RAM. See if it still makes the burning smell.
 
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RealBboy360

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It doesn't really smell anymore, so I can't really sniff it out. Possibly something in the PSU burned out and it can function ok without it. Any dangers in just letting it run besides losing unsaved data if the PSU dies?
 
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anti-painkilla

anti-painkilla

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You could keep running it, however if there is a problem with the PSU it could fry the other components. If you are worried about it replace the PSU. Up to you, if I thought it was PSU that had made the burning smell I would definitely consider replacing it.
 
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