What on earth could have killed my PC so effectively!?

adrenox

Honorable
Jun 11, 2013
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10,530
Hi

Ive only just managed to get my computer running again since July 2013 (ran out of money for parts)

Heres a summary of what went wrong my PSU, CPU, motherboard and one stick of RAM died all at once whilst my harddrive decided to stop working till i reinstalled my windows!

So now im borrowing a friends PSU, bought a new motherboard and CPU, send my RAM back to manufacturer as it was within warranty and reinstalled my windows thus losing all my data.

Ok so heres my question, is this extend of damage possible? and if so how on earth did this happen?
 
most times it can be two issues. one a very bad power supply that the vendor lies about it true voltage output. (ie it rated to 350w) but the vendor sells it as a 500-600w unit. and under gaming load it pops and smokes taking out your gaming rig.
the second issue could be a power spike...into the power supply or a hit close to the phone lines and a power spike when into your rig from the Ethernet port or modem card. see nit happen with Lightning hitting close to homes. the last issue is not using the mb standoffs or cutting or grounding out your parts inside the case.
 

adrenox

Honorable
Jun 11, 2013
40
0
10,530
I assumed it to be the power supply but wasn't sure
It was a Powercool 650-auba-m (the company says its 80+ but the 80+ website doesn't list it)

It seems likely to be a poor power supply now
A power spike shouldn't have been an issue as i use a surge protector right?
Im connected to the internet by power-lines also through a surge protector so same thing applys?
Grounding? My friend pretty much built this PC for me so i cant say i know what it is let alone how its done
 


It could have been a surge but if you properly protect your PC, you should be fine. A good PSU and surge protector go a long way. Although I don't know if he had either.
 


The outlets in your house have to be grounded. Some houses I've see without the ground prong and other without proper grounding.
 


lol nope, you aren't required to ground your case. Just make sure that you have a good psu and aren't smitten with bad luck and you'll be golden.