Lightning strike, computer dead - PSU makes clicking sounds :(

[Nitas]

Hello there.

So there were some very sudden lightning strikes near my house and one of them knocked my power out for an instant - but enough that my computer and monitor went dark. Luckily both the monitor and stereo survived.. the computer not so much.

Here is what happens: When I plug in the power and turn on the PSU, the lights on the motherboard and graphics card light up - but when I try to turn on the computer, the PSU just gives off two clicks and that's it. What's STRANGE is that the cabinet and gpu fans actually spin up for a short instant when I try to turn on. Weird! It just gives the same clicks no matter what I try. The "self test" light doesn't glow either. It's a Corsair AX860i by the way.

Oh and I do use surge protectors from APC by the way.. guess it didn't matter much in this case!

I am very dependant on my computer and will have to do whatever I can do get it back up in the morning, but do you think it's the PSU or could it be something else?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... In the eyes of a Computer repairer... I would test each piece... one at a time in a known good computer... Instead of starting with what you have. Because you could have multiple parts damaged. And finding the right combination will Cost $$, and could take much longer than it needs too Fix.
Your PS is shutting down as it should, because it senses, Damaged electric circuits it is trying to Power UP.
Home owners and Rental insurance can cover Damage or replacement.
You could get a similar replacement and Install your HD's into it to resume your Work/Play.

 

[Nitas]

Oh damn it, and I just spent so much money on a high end rig too..

What else does normally get damaged during this? Could the disks be the problem? I should think it would boot up no matter if the disks are damaged or not, yes?

Also, the red light on my motherboard is glowing, the one with the power on/off symbol. What could that be?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... There is NO rule or Standard procedure, as to what is damaged when it comes to lightning strikes.
Each MB lights and indicators mean a different thing... Please pull out the MB manual/PDF to to answer those questions. Did somebody locally build it for you? Give them a call?
Try Craigslist for a local repair/builder that wants to look at it.

 

[Nitas]

I built it with a friend who works in a computer shop.

The red light was just the power-on button which lights up when it has power, so nothing useful right now. It said in the manual.

But about the disks, again. Is it even possible that they are preventing the computer from starting up?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... We can talk Possibility till the the Cows come Home... but nothing will get fixed that way. Do you want to cause more problems at this time? leave it to a experienced person to help you out at this point.

 

[Nitas]

Yes I know, but in the case of the disks I think I can write them off as a possible wrongdoer. I mean one can boot a computer without disks..

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Yes... Simply un-plug every extra Card and Disk...
Start with just MB, RAM, CPU, Monitor and PS... Does your CPU/MB have a GPU? Then you should have a BIO's screen to View... or does the PS turn off right away agian?
Another trouble shooting tool you have is your NOSE... which piece of hardware smells Burnt or really Nasty? B (

 

[Nitas]

Yes, an ASUS GeForce GTX 780 Ti. Is it enough to just unplug the power connectors or do I have to remove the whole thing?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... the WHOLE thing... all electrical connections need to be isolated/un-connected from each other to test each part or combination of parts at a time.
See your having your doubt already about getting your hands Dirty... B )

 

[Nitas]

This is going to be pure hell.. 🙁

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... AN experienced person with a Spare computer and Parts can figure it out within a DAY/Hours... Which parts are still good or bad.

 

[Nitas]

Turns out it was the graphics card. What are the odds, right?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... LOL... Ya the minute you want to take a short cut... Your BOSS finds out... Like that?
RMA the Video card?

 

[Nitas]

Yeah I'm gonna RMA it, sending it tomorrow most likely! Right now I'm using the same computer but with the integrated graphics on my CPU. So no gaming for me meanwhile 😛

I just hope there will be no after-damage to my monitor or stereo or anything else!