Computer overheated while trying to fix graphics card issue

[keyskull]

Hello! I'm new to these forums and not sure where else to post this.

Recently I decided to upgrade my Dell Inspiron 660 with a GTX 960 gpu.

I was having issues at first getting my computer to recognize the card. Well I fixed that problem but here's the thing. The problem was that my PSU didn't meet the min. requirements (which was 400 w.) My psu was only 300 w.

However, when i unplugged the external power source (thermaltake 450w) from the card, the computer recognized it and all was well. What was left was getting the monitor to get a signal.

To accomplish this, I left the external source unplugged from the gpu, unplugged my second monitor (i had a dual monitor set-up), and attempted to boot the computer. When I did, the monitor simply gave me a line about "please plug in all necessary components" or something like that and I did, I turned off the pc promptly and plugged the external source back into the gpu.

When I went to turn my computer on all I got was a very brief flashing light from the power button and a burnt computer smell. I unplugged everything and let it sit over night (about 12 hours)

Yesterday the light was the normal color but today it's orange. The back light on the pc is on so it's still getting power.

Also when I turn it on the light flashes less than half a second once and I get this burnt computer smell but nothing looks like its charred, and nothing seems like its hot. I don't hear the fans going either and I didn't hear/smell anything odd before the computer stopped working.

I can't give many details on the specs as I didn't have anything written down before it stopped working, but I can tell you what I remember. I'm not sure what exactly you would need though.

It's the default motherboard that came with the system. I've had this computer for about 2-3 years now.

 

[AleksaSavic3]

Try to boot with a stronger PSU. Does your system have integrated graphics? If it does, boot without GPU first, to see is motherboard/CPU dead. Report progress here.

Best of luck!

 

[geofelt]

Thermaltake is not considered a quality psu.
It has likely failed, and hopefully, it did not damage your parts.
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware/f/135081/t/45344.aspx?Redirected=true
The burnt smell is likely a psu failure and you should replace the psu with a better tier 1 or tier 2 unit.
A GTX960 is relatively power efficient, and sould run on 450w, but I suggest more like 550-650w unit to enable a future graphics change.
A psu will only use the wattage demanded of it regardless of it's max capability.

 

[JamesSneed]

I would start by removing the new GPU and along with it the external power supply. See if it will boot. I believe the Dell Inspiron 660 has built in graphics as well so this should be doable. If it still boots.... A 300 watt PSU could power the GTX 960 as its just a 120watt card so you would be pulling around 250 watts total with most CPU's that came with this PC. With that said 300 watts is pretty tight so if you have stability issues then I would suggest you upgrade the power supply as long as we are talking the normal Inspiron 660 not the 660s Compact Version. The Inspiron 660 has a standard ATX power supply.

 

[keyskull]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I do I have intel integrated graphics (its what the computer came with) and I removed the GTX gpu as suggested. My computer runs normally now! However I would still like to get my GPU working and I assume that is a question for a different forum section. Thank you for your quick and helpful responses. I will however look into a better psu upgrade than thermaltake, probably with more watts as well.

And yes, I believe my pc is the standard version.