Did I destroy my entire computer or just my motherboard/graphic card?

[EXG]

I decided to measure my graphic card because I wanted to buy a new one. I did this with a measurer with a metal tip, so I made sure I touched grounding with it and myself. (Probably didn't do this properly) And also I was stupid enough to do this while my computer was powered, because I was thinking I'd just measure it quickly.

However, I ended up accidentally touching the components with the metal tip (Unsure if I hit my graphic card or motherboard). So my computer shut off immediately and something made a sparking sound. Also there was a burnt smell. Which I guess would suggest whatever I touched is broken. (My computer doesn't start up at all now, which leads me to believe I hit my motherboard?)

My main question here is: Whichever I touched (graphic card or motherboard), did it destroy my entire computer or just that particular part (meaning I can just simply replace that part and it's good to go.)


Any help and suggestions is appreciated, thanks.

 

[alexoiu]

Try starting with only CPU and CPU fan installed, see if the CPU fan does spin. If not, then it might be the board.

 

[EXG]

Try starting with only CPU and CPU fan installed, see if the CPU fan does spin. If not, then it might be the board.

Thanks for your respond. How do I go about starting it with only CPU and CPU fan installed? Do I just unplug everything except the CPU fan?

 

[alexoiu]

Remove RAMs, graphics card, make sure that both 24 and 8 pin power cables are connected and press the power button.

 

[junkeymonkey]

wow , when I read a post like this I feel better about myself .. I thought I was the only one with that kinda luck

 

[EXG]

Try starting with only CPU and CPU fan installed, see if the CPU fan does spin. If not, then it might be the board.

YES! Every fan started spinning (CPU, PSU and 2 general fans) and it sounds just like normal. So this means my motherboard is ok and I just need a new graphic card (which I wanted anyway)?? That's lovely, thank you so much for your help sir.

 

[alexoiu]

No problem. But, just to be sure, can you connect a case speaker to the motherboard (for beeps)?
What motherboard using?

 

[EXG]

No problem. But, just to be sure, can you connect a case speaker to the motherboard (for beeps)?
What motherboard using?

Not sure if I have one of those case speakers? My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3

 

[EXG]

No problem. But, just to be sure, can you connect a case speaker to the motherboard (for beeps)?
What motherboard using?

Ok because I don't have a case speaker, I went ahead and found an old graphic card that I plugged in and the fan of that one works as well. Shouldn't it be ok then? Thanks again for your help

 

[alexoiu]

Does the system POST?

 

[EXG]

Does the system POST?

Not sure what you mean by POST, care to explain?

 

[alexoiu]

I mean does it boot, now that you've installed different graphics card?

 

[EXG]

I mean does it boot, now that you've installed different graphics card?

Everything inside the computer seem to start, but I get nothing on my monitor after plugging that in

 

[alexoiu]

Then I'm not sure if it's the graphics card and not the board, since no video signal.

 

[EXG]

Then I'm not sure if it's the graphics card and not the board, since no video signal.

Well then, I should probably change my motherboard as well. That's what I get from not being careful I guess. Can you confirm that if I change both graphic card and motherboard, it will work?

 

[alexoiu]

Unfortunately, not. You can test the graphics card in a friend's PC. If working, then it's most probably a motherboard issue.