Smell from computer

oriolesfan

New Member
Like the title says, there is this very strong smell coming from my computer. Its kinda like burnt leather, or just leather. One day my computer just turned off while i was away, so i came back to turn it on. It powered up for a few seconds and turned off. Couldn't get it to run that day so i waited another day and my computer was fine. So after that the smell started.

So i am wondering.. Is there something dieing? The computer is not even a year old, and there isn't very much dust inside.:eek:

Thanks
 
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Wires that are set to + and - in the power supply might be slightly touching each other, that is what could switch you PC off. If that is what happened, then the rubber wire cover could've burned on it and everytime you turn your PC on the wires got warmer and warmer. That could be a smell of burning rubber. If I were you, I would check whatever I can and clean your computer inside with a small brush and a vacuum cleaner.
 
Hmm i dont know too much about power supplies, but i have a feeling its the power supply. Don't know if it matters, but the 1/0 power switch on the back is broken or jammed; cannot be turned to 0. Im thinking i need to buy a new power supply. How can i know which one i'd need? Thanks
 
If you can write down your computer specification I can tell you what PSU you going to need. Write down what processor, motherboard, graphic card, RAM and your current power supply you've got.

Like this for expample: (that is my PC specification)

ASUS P5E Deluxe
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 @3.63GHz + Scythe Mugen
Corsair 4 x 2GB - 8500C5D DDR2 1200MHz DC CL5.0
ATi Radeon HD5870x2 2GB + Scythe Musashi

To find out, you can use a program: Everest Ultimate Edition (trial) or Everest Home Edition (free).
 
Take the old one out and tell us what the wattage is and a short description of your system specs.
 
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2500MHz (9x267)
Motherboard name: MSI G31M3 V2 (MS-7529)
Ram: 4096 MB (DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM)
Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce 9600 GSO 512
Opened the pc and looked @ the power supply: 480 Watt

The smell is so bad its getting to the point where its causing headaches. I can barely use my computer anymore. If i unplugged something to save power, say the dvd for instance, would that prevent it? Thanks
 
I don't think it would prevent it from making that smell. Exchange your PSU before it will get worse, what limit of money are you looking at?
 
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 2500MHz (9x267)
Motherboard name: MSI G31M3 V2 (MS-7529)
Ram: 4096 MB (DDR2-800 DDR2 SDRAM)
Graphics card: Nvidia Geforce 9600 GSO 512
Opened the pc and looked @ the power supply: 480 Watt

The smell is so bad its getting to the point where its causing headaches. I can barely use my computer anymore. If i unplugged something to save power, say the dvd for instance, would that prevent it? Thanks

Got a brand of the power supply?

This is probably the cheapest quality psu you can get to run that system:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005
 
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yeah thats definitely a power supply problem I tried to alter a power supplie once and when I plugged it in and turned it on not only did it shoot sparks but it smelled like a burning leather.

Write down the specs of your PC and look for a PSU that fits those specs
 
try to see where the smell is coming from. it should be coming out of the fan on the top in the rear of the pc. if it is, then its the power supply.
 
Yeah it must be the power supply. Weeell, since the power switch was sort of.. "jammed", i tried to switch it by forcing it, but when i did, something inside the psu snapped. So the switch just rolls back and forth while making a grinding wires-like sound. So now my computer doesn't turn on at all. Yeah, wasn't a very smart thing to do.
But i've been thinking and considering the price to replace the psu, and get it fixed since i do not know how, maybe ill just buy a laptop instead. I am considering this one for 599 at best buy, but am still doing research though. I appreciate everyone's help
 
Alright guys, just wanted to say i bought the laptop and it works well.:)

But doing some thinking and i have an idea. Could i replace the broken 480 watt psu from my computer with a 450 watt from my working other computer? :P Its just that the computer with the broken psu is much better than the other.
 
Just as long as it has the right power connections and your computer isn't power hungry.
 
Ok, replaced the power supply, computer turned on.. awesome. I had 1 less 4 pin power cable than i needed for my graphics card so i put in an older one. So now the screen is all blue. Im not sure if its a power issue, graphics card issue, or a faulty monitor?


EDIT: Cool. Just wanted to say- bought another video card and everything s great. Thanks
 
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