Troubleshooting a PC After a Lightning Strike: A Personal Experience

Have you ever found yourself in a panic after an unexpected storm? I recently faced this predicament when I was using my computer during a lightning storm. Suddenly, a lightning strike hit nearby, sending sparks flying from my PC and abruptly shutting it down.

Initially, I was hopeful that my system would simply reboot, but to my dismay, it showed no signs of life. No lights flickered, no fans whirred—nothing happened when I pressed the power button. Unsure of what to do next, I decided to open the case and reset the CMOS, thinking it might help. Unfortunately, this troubleshooting step yielded no results.

After a thorough assessment, it became apparent that the power supply unit (PSU) might have been damaged. Upon closer inspection, I discovered some melted traces inside the PSU, prompting me to seek professional assistance. The technician replaced my old PSU with a brand-new unit, but to my frustration, my computer still wouldn’t power on.

At this point, my computer remained in the technician’s hands, and I began to worry about the extent of the damage. Could it be only the motherboard that had failed, or was my entire setup at risk? I was anxious to know whether my beloved PC was doomed, especially considering the specs:

• Processor: Intel i3-3220
• RAM: 8GB
• PSU: Litepower 650W (Thermaltake)
• Graphics Card: GTX 980

As a side note, my router—plugged into the same power source—also succumbed to the lightning strike, but intriguingly, there were no burnt smells or visible damage within the computer case.

Resolution

Fortunately, I received some good news shortly thereafter: the technician managed to fix the issue! It turned out that the only component that had sustained damage was the motherboard.

In conclusion, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to assess the damage thoroughly and consult an expert. Lightning can cause a variety of issues with your hardware, but sometimes it’s just a straightforward fix. Always remember to have surge protectors in place to mitigate future risks!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope it provides some insight for those facing similar problems! Safe computing!