What to Do When Your PC Stops Working After a Lightning Strike
Experiencing a lightning strike while using your computer can be a nightmare for any tech-savvy individual. I recently faced this unfortunate situation, and I’m here to share my experience and seek advice on understanding the potential issues.
During a storm, with thunder rumbling and rain pouring outside, I was working on my PC when a sudden lightning strike occurred. The unfortunate result was an immediate spark from inside my machine, followed by a complete shutdown. When I attempted to power it back on, there were no lights, no fan activity—nothing. It was as if my computer had surrendered entirely to the storm.
After some initial troubleshooting, including opening the case and resetting the CMOS, I concluded that the power supply unit (PSU) was likely the culprit. Upon opening it up, I discovered some melted traces inside, confirming my suspicion. I then took my PC to a professional technician who replaced the old PSU with a new unit. Yet, after the switch, my computer still wouldn’t turn on.
At this point, I found myself anxious and concerned about the overall damage. Could it be just my motherboard that was affected, or were other components likely damaged as well? The thought of losing my entire setup was daunting, especially considering the specs of my machine:
- Processor: Intel i3-3220
- RAM: 8GB
- Power Supply: Litepower 650W (Thermaltake)
- Graphics Card: GTX 980
To add to my worries, I had my PC connected to an Ethernet cable, and the router also succumbed to the lightning strike. Intriguingly, I didn’t notice any burning smells from within the case, leading me to wonder about the extent of the damage.
Update: In a fortunate turn of events, I received word from the technician that only the motherboard had fried in the incident. Thankfully, he was able to replace it, and my PC is now up and running again.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember that early diagnosis and professional help are crucial. Lightning can cause unpredictable damage, but with the right expertise, recovery is often possible. Thank you for reading, and I hope my experience can help others in the tech community who may face similar circumstances.
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