Computer short circuit.

[ashleyjlive]

Hey,

So today my computer short circuited. The short circuit was a connection between a bitfenix alchemy led strip and the power supply. The rear end of the strip by manufacturer default is not covered with anything and has bare connections (for linking multiple strips which I think is a bit stupid that they don't include a cap or protector for the end), anyway, the LED strip fell off and hit the outside casing (metal) of the power supply; while the computer was running. When this happened the computer instantly turned itself off and immediately tried a reboot. I assume the short circuit protection had kicked in for the power supply. Upon reboot, the power was automatically cut and the computer kept turning on and off in a loop (no post/beep and lasted 1-2 seconds before turning off). I decided to fully shut the computer off, turn it off at the wall and wait for capacitors to discharge. After 5-10 mins, I tried again - nothing. It kept doing the same things except for some fans not turning on, while others were on. I unplugged everything except for the bare basics. I turned it on and it worked, I checked everything RAM, GPU, CPU, FANS and everything to make sure no errors were happening and everything was recognised. No errors, I decided to leave it at idle for a while to see if it froze or displayed any signs of malfunction - no issues. Then I ran some benchmarks (to see if at a high load it is stable like it was before the incident). Nothing no problems.

I plugged everything back in (insulated the ends of the bitfenix alchemy leds) and no issues. I thought the problem was resolved. After 4 hours of constant gaming there was nothing. Then suddenly everything freezes, everything becomes unresponsive and I am forced to cut the power. After some time I turn it on again and everything works.

My question is, is the freezing a coincidence or is there most likely going to be more issues in the near future? If so, what part could be the problem?

Best regards,
Ashley.

 

[20salmon]

Am I understanding this right or did you try loads of restarts without removing the faulty LED strip? After running the system without errors, and replugging everything, did you also plug in the faulty LED strip? If so I think your motherboard may have been damaged.

 

[ashleyjlive]

Am I understanding this right or did you try loads of restarts without removing the faulty LED strip? After running the system without errors, and replugging everything, did you also plug in the faulty LED strip? If so I think your motherboard may have been damaged.

At the time of the short circuit I had turned the computer off and removed the LED from the computer. The LED by the way is not faulty it's just that the end of the LED is always exposed (bitfenix makes them all like this), therefore when it fell the exposed area of the LED touched the outer casing of the PSU. When this happened I could hear the short circuit and the computer powered off. The led was removed, then multiple restarts were attempted. After unplugging everything and waiting for some time, then when the computer started working again and confirming the computer was 'alright' I decided to re-fit the LED in my computer as it was still functional and wasn't causing any problems as the problem was only an un-natural connection between the LED and PSU. Of course now before I refitted the LED. I decided to alter the LED and remove the exposed end of the LED.

My question is that after four hours of constant use there wasn't any problems, then it froze, could it be related? I find it hard to believe a computer after a short circuit would work for four hours - freeze, then after reboot, continue working. I am worried that in the not to distance future it could happen again and I would lose my work.

Best regards,
Ashley.

 

[IamTimTech]

I think damage was done to your PSU and/or motherboard. If the computer never recovers from the hang up then I think it is the PSU, but that is not certain. Try a new PSU to see if the motherboard made it through ok. If it freezes again after hours of gaming then you've done damage to the Mobo. I believe however it is the former and that the PSU is what took the hit, I hope so for your sake at least.

 

[20salmon]

Ah ok, sorry for the misunderstanding. Like previous post states, it is likely a PSU or MOBO problem, however I think it's more likely to be a PSU problem. The best option is to try with a different PSU, or if you don't have one, take the one you have to a computer shop for testing.

Can I ask what case you have? I am planning on getting a new case and have been considering BitFenix, but I want to avoid this particular problem.

 

[ashleyjlive]

Ah ok, sorry for the misunderstanding. Like previous post states, it is likely a PSU or MOBO problem, however I think it's more likely to be a PSU problem. The best option is to try with a different PSU, or if you don't have one, take the one you have to a computer shop for testing.

Can I ask what case you have? I am planning on getting a new case and have been considering BitFenix, but I want to avoid this particular problem.

BitFenix Ronin

 

[IamTimTech]

I think the problem he ran into with the short circuit was not his case, but the poorly designed LED strip.