What to Do When Your PC Fails After a Lightning Strike: A Personal Experience

Experiencing a sudden power outage due to a thunderstorm can be alarming, especially if you’re in the middle of using your computer. A fellow tech enthusiast recently faced this unfortunate situation when a lightning strike caused their PC to shut down abruptly, leaving them in a state of worry. This post explores their story, the challenges they encountered, and the steps taken to resolve the issue.

The Incident

During a stormy evening, while immersed in work, a sudden bolt of lightning hit nearby, triggering an immediate and surprising spark from within the computer. The system shut down instantly, and despite multiple attempts to restart it, the computer refused to show any signs of life—no lights, no fan activity, and no response whatsoever.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken

In an effort to diagnose the problem, the user inspected the system and attempted to reset the CMOS. After these efforts proved futile, they suspected the power supply unit (PSU) might be to blame. Upon opening the PSU, they discovered signs of melting, which confirmed their fears. Recognizing the need for professional expertise, the user handed over the unit to a technician for further analysis.

The technician replaced the faulty PSU with a new one, yet the problem persisted, leaving the user in a limbo of uncertainty about the extent of the damage.

Assessing Potential Damage

At this point, the user sought advice regarding the possible problems they might encounter, pondering whether only the motherboard had suffered or if other components might be affected as well. There were concerns about the overall functionality of the setup, which included:

• CPU: Intel i3-3220
• RAM: 8GB
• GPU: GTX 980
• PSU: Litepower 650W Thermaltake

Additionally, the computer was connected to a router that also fell victim to the storm, raising further questions about the network stability.

The Resolution

In a twist of fate, the technician ultimately determined that it was indeed just the motherboard that had malfunctioned due to the lightning strike. With this information, the user could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the rest of their setup remained functional.

Conclusion

Experiencing hardware failure due to natural events like thunderstorms can be daunting, but swift assessment and professional assistance can often lead to a positive outcome. For anyone facing similar issues, it’s crucial to remain calm,