Is It Safe to Power Up My PC After Seeing a Spark?
Today, I found myself in a concerning situation with my computer that left me questioning its safety. While using my PC, I inadvertently bumped into the headphone jack. Initially, there were no noticeable issues; however, several hours later, everything changed. My computer unexpectedly powered down—not a typical reboot—just a complete shutdown where my keyboard and RGB lighting ceased to function.
I attempted to remedy the situation by flipping the power switch off and on, but after doing so, my machine struggled to boot up. Realizing I needed to take some precautionary measures, I unplugged the device from the power strip entirely. Once I reconnected it and tried to power it back on, I was alarmed to see a pop and witness a faint spark. It appeared to emanate from or around the power supply unit (PSU), but I couldn’t pinpoint the exact source.
Now, I’m faced with a daunting decision—should I attempt to start my PC again? The sight of that spark is certainly alarming, and it raises concerns around potential damage or electrical hazards. In this situation, what would you do? I’d appreciate any advice on how to proceed safely and whether further examination is required before booting it back up.
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