I Melted Down My Motherboard And Processor - Ask Me Anything

[mermaid]

Well, finally getting myself somewhat close to back to where I WAS, before the shit hit the fan...in the process now of re-installing all my programs, my bookmarks, my passwords, Holy Shiite, I don't recommend trying this at home!! :P

[Droopy]

1. How did you manage to zap your motherboard and processor?

Let me know so I don't do it.

[mermaid]

2. Not A Friggin' Clue

Best I can say is it overheated, or I got a power surge, because the capacitors that feed the processor were bulging, which usually indicates surge...or overheating.

Best way to avoid this?? Make sure your CPU fans are in good working order, and not choked with dust, hair, dirt, smoke, etc.

Get inside your PC every about 4 months and blow out all the dust (get a spray-can at your local computer shop)

Turn off your PC every once in a while, don't leave it running all the time.

Keep the temperature in your house cool, if you can afford it...trun off computer more frequently if you can't afford the A/C.

These are only suggestions, some of which may help...but definitely won't hurt.

I'm not exactly an expert. But, the computer in question was also nearly five years old, and it was time for an upgrade, anyway.

[Droopy]

3. Ah, ok

I turn of my pc every night and my house is cool, but it's probably time for a good dusting. The computer is 1.5 years old and I haven't cracked open the box since I put it together.

[Melynn]

4. My video adapter went wacky on me yesterday

It seems to be alright now. My computer is over six years old and I'm hoping to get another year out of it.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. I did that...

by pushing the OFF button and putting some memory in it.

Seems the OFF button doesn't really turn it off-- you have to pull the plug.

Dunno if the processor is shot, though. I just popped the HD into another machine and the blown one is sitting there waiting for me to do something with it. I thought of replacing the capacitors, but I suspect those teensy little resistors are gone too, and surface mount stuff is ridiculous to work with. Cheaper and easier to buy another MB.