Troubleshooting a PC After a Lightning Strike: My Experience

Electronics and severe weather don’t mix well, as I recently discovered during a storm that changed everything I thought I knew about my computer setup. While using my PC, a lightning strike occurred, causing a sudden spark from within my machine followed by a total shutdown.

Initial Reactions

When I attempted to power it back on, nothing happened—no lights, no fan noises, and no signs of life. Confused and worried, I decided to open the case, hoping to troubleshoot the issue myself. After resetting the CMOS in vain, I came to the conclusion that the power supply unit (PSU) was likely the culprit.

Investigating the Damage

Upon inspecting the PSU, I discovered some melting marks inside, which confirmed my suspicions. Realizing I needed a professional touch, I handed my PC over to an expert for repair. The technician replaced the faulty PSU with a new one, but unfortunately, my PC still refused to start.

The Big Question: Is My PC Demolished?

At this point, my mind raced with potential outcomes. Could it be just the motherboard, or had the lightning strike caused extensive damage throughout my entire setup? I was particularly anxious about losing my system entirely.

Here are my specs for reference:

• Processor: Intel Core i3-3220
• RAM: 8GB
• Power Supply: LitePower 650W Thermaltake
• Graphics Card: GTX 980
• Connection: Ethernet cable (notably, my router also failed during the lightning strike)

It’s important to note that upon examination, I smelled no burned components inside the case, which gave me a sliver of hope.

A Happy Ending

The good news? My technician managed to identify the issue—it was indeed the motherboard that had failed, but nothing else was damaged beyond repair. The processor, RAM, and graphics card were all in fine shape, allowing me to recuperate relatively quickly without a catastrophic loss of equipment.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing a lightning strike while using your computer can be terrifying, but with the right help and a bit of luck, recovery is possible. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Remember, while some components might be more resilient than others, taking immediate action is crucial. I’m relieved to know that my whole setup isn’t doomed and