Title: Troubleshooting Your PC After a Lightning Strike: Insights from a Recent Experience
In today’s digital age, our computers have become central to both work and leisure. However, they can be vulnerable to unforeseen events like electrical storms. Recently, a reader shared a distressing experience of their PC failing to power on after a lightning strike. Here’s an overview of their journey and key takeaways for anyone facing similar issues.
The Incident
While working on their PC during a storm, the user was startled by a sudden lightning strike that caused their computer to spark and power down immediately. As anyone would be, they were anxious when attempts to restart the machine were met with silence—no lights, no fan noise—indicating a serious issue.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
In an effort to diagnose the problem, they opened up the case and reset the CMOS, hoping for a miracle. However, these efforts yielded no results. After inspecting the Power Supply Unit (PSU), they noticed signs of melting, leading them to suspect that it was indeed the source of the problem.
Seeking Professional Help
To ensure the repairs were conducted correctly, the user decided to take their PC to a professional. The technician replaced the damaged PSU with a new one, but still, the computer refused to come back to life. This prompted questions about the state of the entire setup, including concerns about potential damage to other components like the motherboard.
Assessing Potential Damage
The user was understandably worried about the fate of their entire system, especially considering the specs:
- Processor: Intel i3-3220
- RAM: 8GB
- PSU: Litepower 650W Thermaltake
- GPU: GTX 980
Additionally, they noted that the PC was connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable, which could have also been impacted by the electrical surge, as the router was damaged as well. They reported no burnt smell from within the case, raising hopes that the damage might be limited.
A Hopeful Conclusion
In a subsequent update, the technician confirmed that the only component affected was indeed the motherboard. This revelation brought relief to the user, as it meant that their overall system was salvageable with a relatively straightforward repair.
Final Thoughts
While this experience highlights the risks posed by electrical storms to our technology, it serves as a reminder to take precautions. Utilizing surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)
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