PC emits a metallic/chemical smell

[Gizmo001]

Ever since I've had my PC (approx. 1.5 years ago), it has always emitted a metallic smell when running hardware-intensive games. I have replaced my PSU, and GPU, both for unrelated reasons, and haven't noticed any difference. The smell is enough for me to catch a whiff of whenever I leave the room and l return to my computer chair, but isn't enough to be continually noticable afterwards (unless I have the door shut). I'm fairly sure this smell doesn't mean anything bad for my actual components, but from a health standpoint, I'm wondering how potentially bad it is for me to be inhaling this stuff. Is this kind of smell normal in high-end PC's or should I be looking to replace yet another part? Thanks.

 

[thor220]

It's definitely not good for your health. I've had this happen to once once. It was with a GPU and it looked like someone spilt something on it. If it smells like burning chemicals that's because it is burning chemicals, a good amount of which can cause serious health issues.

 

[Gizmo001]

That's what I've been thinking... only thing is, it's been smelling like this for over a year now, and it's definitely not my GPU/PSU, which appear to be the two parts most likely to cause this problem from my research. What should I do next?

 

[thor220]

That's what I've been thinking... only thing is, it's been smelling like this for over a year now, and it's definitely not my GPU/PSU, which appear to be the two parts most likely to cause this problem from my research. What should I do next?

I don't know how strong the scent is for you but I was able to sniff out the source of my issue. If you cannot and nothing looks visually different there's really nothing you can do short of tearing all the heatsinks off or replacing the rest of your parts. Since you waited too long you cannot get a replacement from the store, which would have been the best and easiest thing to do.

 

[Gizmo001]

Think I could isolate all my parts and find the source then? Another thing I should mention is that, when I first unboxed my motherboard, I noticed it had a *very* strong scent to it, which, now that I think of it, is probably the problem. My MB is an Asus Maximus VI Hero, and as far as I know, I should have a warranty on it still...

 

[thor220]

Think I could isolate all my parts and find the source then? Another thing I should mention is that, when I first unboxed my motherboard, I noticed it had a *very* strong scent to it, which, now that I think of it, is probably the problem. My MB is an Asus Maximus VI Hero, and as far as I know, I should have a warranty on it still...

Yeah, you can isolate the issue. If your motherboard is still under warranty I would contact ASUS about the issue. Computer parts should have than new electronic smell but it shouldn't be anything pungent.

 

[Gizmo001]

See, that's the thing, the motherboard isn't actually new. I've had it for as long as I've had my PC, which is what confuses me here. Either way, that's what I'll probably end up doing; thanks for helping me with this issue.