HELP! Burning smell from computer...not power supply issue.

[megatron]

Ok...here is the story. I was browsing the web and started hearing a 'working' noise coming from the computer every time i clicked. Core chip temp was 127...not anything unsusual for my comp. Then there was an electrical burning smell so i looked in the case but it didnt seem to be coming from the computer. I then loaded up a divx and right after it started to play, the computer reset on its own and got stuck on startup...then turned off on its own. Then it wouldnt start anymore. The power flashes on for about 1-2 seconds and then cuts out.

So, I unplugged all the HDs (3 x 7200rpm) and the DVDRW and CDRW drives...still wouldn't start. I then started pulling all the PCI cards out, still nothing. Even when it was just the mobo, no dice. I tried a different PS, no different. I figure that the board is shorting out somewhere, but I have no clue where... any ideas? System specs below:

athlon xp 1700
ram 512x1 mushkin
ram 256x1 nanya
3 7200RPM HDs
epox 8kha+ mobo
DVDRW
CDRW
Seasonic 350w PS

 

[compudog]

It could be bad capacitors on the motherboard. Look around the CPU socket at all the little can shaped devices for bulging or leaking. If you have bad caps, you will see oozing electrolyte liquid (puss-yellow or greasy looking) or caps that are bulging and deformed.

It could also be something else entirely as well.

 

[megatron]

hmm...u know what.. they are oozing...not just one...multiple ones. i'm guessing thats the issue huh? time for a new mobo i guess. what causes this typically??

 

[Blazer]

do a search for leaking capacitors

 

[megatron]

thanks for the info guys...read up on the issue on some other threads...i'm out of warranty though so i guess its time to get myself an athlon64 mobo and cpu!