Scorched P1 connector!

[shtinkypuppie]

Hello,

Let me start out with some background. I started having problems with my computer freezing after being on overnight about 2 weeks ago. I chalked it up originally to the videocard overheating, as the fan was beginning to fail. After repairing the VC fan and installing a new fan, the problem did not resolve. Now, it has developed into constant failures: sometimes it fails to boot; just hangs at or before the POST. Sometimes it starts to boot, and hangs just before the Windows XP screen comes up. Sometimes it starts up fine, then locks up shortly after. Sometimes it just spontaneously restarts. Sometimes the screen suddenly shows a strange pattern and the computer freezes. Sometimes it tells me windows has had a fatal error, and tells me to restart.

I took apart my computer and cleaned all the contacts and reinserted all the cards. In doing this, I discovered that three (the very top two, as well as one in the second row closest to the processor) of the pins on the P1 connector were scorched: the plastic looks like a lighter had been taken to it, and the metal contacts were darkened. I now suspect that inermittent/fluctuating power is causing my problem, but nailing down this problem has been such a goose chase that I'm still not sure. Would the scorched contacts I describe likely create the symptomology I'm seeing?

Secondly, how can I go about repairing it? I don't see any obvious damage to the board except that P1 connector, so can the P1 connector alone be replaced? Or will I have to replace the whole board and power supply? (both the connector on the board and from the power supply are scorched) I don't think the motherboard has been severely damaged, as I am typing this message on the aforementioned computer during one of its rare bouts of lucidity.

Thank you for any help, it is greatly appreciated. I have been pulling my hair out over this for a week. Please note that I'm a broke medical student and can't just junk this relatively high-end machine.

If it helps at all, this is one of the error messages windows gave me:

"DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS _OR_EQUAL
Stop:0x00000D1(0xC80B40E0, 0x00000002,0x00000001,0xedss14bd)
AFD.sys-address EDSS14BD at base EDS41000 datestamp 4117ebs"

Here are my specs:
http://www.vprmatrix.com/products_desktop_240R.asp

Thanks again,
Eric

 

[ceewi1]

Most definitely this will cause the behavior you've described. The power supply will need to be replaced, although the mobo may be alright. I'd start with the power supply. If the problem continues, you may need to replace the mobo as well.

 

[iggy101]

Oh Yeah!!

you can almost bet your life that, the burnt connecter is what is causing the problem. You most likley just need to buy a new powersupply and you will be fine. Make sure that you get one that is compatable with your mobo. also if the same problem occurs with the new powersupply you will mostlikley need a new mobo or whatever the P1 connecter is plugging into!

 

[shtinkypuppie]

Thanks a bunch!

Thanks everyone for your help and insight. The other night, I cleaned out the P1 connector's contacts as best I could, and just generally tried to improve the connectivity therein. So far, so good. It's been stable for about 4 days now, with no hiccoughs. If anything further happens, I will replace the power supply. I still can't imagine how this happened, though, as my PSU is relatively high-end. I just can't see what chain of events would lead to that connector literally buring!

Thanks again, everyone.
- Eric