USB static shock causes monitor to turn off

fd9

Member
Nov 26, 2007
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I built a new computer yesterday using all new components. After plugging - no, wait - touching one of my USB wires in the front of the computer, I hear a soft "pop" sound and suddenly the monitor shuts off. All I did was make contact - I never actually plugged it in. I had to manually shut down the computer to restart it. I know it was not caused from any static I carried because my dad had the same problem.

But here's the strange part: All the other USB devices worked, even when plugged in to the front. It's ONLY this one USB wire that causes this weird static-shock-monitor-shutdown. However, I can't say for sure if the wire is faulty because it has worked for months on my old computer.

By the way, it appears (so far) that no permanent damage has been done to the computer. The USB ports are still working, etc.
 

NoelS

Senior member
Oct 5, 2007
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fd9,

If I read you right, sounds like just touching that USB port causes a short which interrupts the monitor's power... does the computer also shut down?

Believe I'd examine that USB's wiring inside the case carefully, all the way from it's mobo connection to the case junction where you touch the USB connector. There may be an intermittent short which affects your video card (weird) causing that problem.

Also I'd call the mobo maker's tech support and see if they have any clue - you may want to RMA the motherboard...

Good luck on this one :)

Noel
 

skreet

Senior member
Sep 7, 2004
681
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0
It's probably not the monitor "shutting off" but the interruption of the USB device is casuing all devices on the PCI bus to stop responding (i.e. Video Cards, on onboard Video).

I would be concerned with one of the following:
- The USB controller that is attached to the front of the case.
- The USB port on the case itself.
- The Cable you are connecting.

Eliminate one at a time in both directions and see if you can narrow it down.

BTW, don't say "I doubt you can figure this one out" -- there are so many really, really smart people on AT. It's a truely skilled community. :-D