So I walk downstairs

[Ballatician]

I've only smelled it twice before, once when an old camcorder stopped working and once with a faulty computer power supply, that burnt electronic nasty smell.

Anyway, I turned off the only computer downstairs and all surge protectors but I haven't been able to pinpoint what caused the smell. The super old computer was still working and the psu doesn't smell especially strong. I've been through every electronic item in every room and I can't really tell where its coming from.

Any ideas?

Appreciate it.

 

[Quiksilver]

Perhaps a blown capacitor in one of the electronics but it wasn't enough to make it stop functioning?

 

[Crono]

It could still be the PSU, but the odor is gone now.

 

[UberNeuman]

It's the Terminator! Run before he gets you John!!!

 

[rudeguy]

I know that smell all too well. Its the same smell that a car amp gives off when it fries. It sticks around forever!

 

[Ballatician]

So it could be the psu even if its still running? I turned it on and took a whiff from the back but the scent doesn't seem especially strong close to the computer even though a blow capacitor was my first thought.

 

[Tobolo]

If you can easily crack the case on the PC then smell inside. A lot of times the smell will be traped in there. If not, then turn things on one by one until you smell it again. Fire extinguishers are suggested 😛

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: Quiksilver
Perhaps a blown capacitor in one of the electronics but it wasn't enough to make it stop functioning?

That's what I would assume.

 

[pontifex]

you forgot to turn off your vibrator?

how the hell are we going to know what it is? you haven't posted a list of every electronic device in your house.

 

[Ballatician]

I thought someone with similar experience might mention something I wouldn't expect.

I did open the computer case but no particularly strong smell inside. It's still my top suspect since it reminded me of a bad capacitor in an old PSU so I guess I'll turn it on for a while and see if it comes back.