Troubleshooting a PC After a Lightning Strike: My Experience and Insights

As a tech enthusiast, there’s nothing quite as unsettling as experiencing a sudden hardware failure. Recently, I faced a challenging situation when my computer became nonfunctional due to a lightning storm. I want to share my experience in hopes of helping others who may find themselves in a similar predicament.

The Incident

While I was actively using my PC during a fierce storm, a bolt of lightning struck nearby. Almost instantly, I noticed sparks emanating from inside the computer, followed by a total blackout — no lights, no fans, nothing. In a moment of panic, I attempted to power it back on, but my efforts were in vain. It was clear that something serious had gone awry.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

Determined to pinpoint the issue, I opened the case to inspect the internals. After resetting the CMOS battery to no avail, I suspected the power supply unit (PSU) might be the culprit. Upon examination, I found evidence of melting inside the PSU, which only heightened my concern.

With the situation worsening, I decided it was best to consult a professional. I took my PC to an expert who replaced the old PSU with a new one, but shockingly, the computer still refused to power on. At this point, I was left anxiously awaiting updates, wondering about the extent of the damage to my setup.

Concerns and Speculations

As I awaited news from the technician, I couldn’t help but worry about the fate of my entire system. Could it be just the motherboard that suffered, or was my whole setup beyond saving? For reference, my specifications include:

• Processor: Intel i3-3220
• RAM: 8GB
• Power Supply: Litepower 650W Thermaltake
• Graphics Card: GTX 980

Adding to my worries, my router also suffered damage from the lightning strike, but interestingly, there was no distinct burnt smell coming from within the computer case.

The Resolution

In a relieving update, the technician informed me that the issue was localized to the motherboard. Fortunately, that’s all that needed replacement, and my computer is now up and running again. This experience taught me the importance of protecting electronic devices during adverse weather conditions, especially when storms are imminent.

Conclusion

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, stay calm and access the situation methodically.