Burning smell coming from PC

[sanzen07]

I have been using my PC today for approximately 7 hours and the last 5 of those have been for gaming (original Deus Ex so it shouldn't be taxing the machine very much). I noticed a burning smell coming from the PC a little while ago so I opened up the side of the case to check it out and I don't see anything wrong visually inside the PC. So I went back to gaming and I noticed it again so I stopped and left the side open. The burning smell continues even during idling but I still don't see anything. Hardware monitoring seems to be okay. CPU is idling at about 25C and video card at 34C. I just dusted out the machine a few weeks ago so dust isn't a problem and all fans are spinning fine. Anyone have any ideas of what I should look for/at? This is making me nervous.

System specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Intel D975XBX2 Motherboard
EVGA Geforce GTX 460 768 Superclocked
4GB Corsair XMS2 DHX
120GB Intel 320 Series SSD
750 WD Caviar SE
ASUS Xonar DS
Corsair VX550 Power Supply
Antec P183 with 3x Scythe S-Flex 120mm Fans

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Best guess is it's the PSU. A burning smell never bodes well for computer health though, something's about to go.

 

[bononos]

Maybe a cap has leaked and you're smelling the gunk that spilled out.

 

[denis280]

I would start looking inside for they above. and video card also

 

[daveybrat]

I usually find it to be the power supply that emits that kind of odor. That or the video card, and since your card appears to be operating fine, that leaves the power supply.

 

[pete1229]

I had this happen a few years ago on the first build I ever did. The computer worked fine for a couple of years and one day I noticed a burning smell and could'nt locate the source until I pulled, or tried to anyway, the 24pin connector from the mobo. One end had acvtually begun to melt, and there was some minor scortching atroung the connector. Thats when I decided it was time for a new build.

 

[sanzen07]

Caps look okay. I think you guys are right about the PSU. The smell seems to be strongest near the PSU unit. Is there any potential harm to the system if I continue to use the PSU until it dies? Or is it best to just go ahead and RMA the thing?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Caps look okay. I think you guys are right about the PSU. The smell seems to be strongest near the PSU unit. Is there any potential harm to the system if I continue to use the PSU until it dies? Or is it best to just go ahead and RMA the thing?

PSU's usually go quietly. Occasionally, there's flamage. So, the question you have to ask yourself is, do you feel lucky? Well, do ya? :biggrin:

 

[wirednuts]

Replace psu! Asap! YES it can not only flame out it might short out and take your computer parts with it!

 

[Puppies04]

Replace psu! Asap! YES it can not only flame out it might short out and take your computer parts with it!

This.

Think of it this way, you can carry over your new PSU to your next PC and the newer tech should be more efficient and have a much lower chance of setting fire to your house

 

[AFurryReptile]

Last time I smelled something coming from my computer, it lasted for about twenty minutes and I ignored it. The next thing I knew, my motherboard, video card, and processor had been fried as my PSU died in a shower of sparks.

 

[PowerYoga]

Replace it before it zaps your other components.

 

[MrWizzard]

PSU PSU PSU!!!

As people have said, it’s probably going to go soon. I have had a few go that way. If it's in warranty RMA it if not get a new one. They all eventually go.

Corsair is a good brand. But looking at your equipment running a 550 its going to tax that PSU after a while, I ran similar setups with good quality PSU. And they went out how you are describing. 550 is enough but running a PSU at 80 % all the time or another more powerfull one at 30% all the time. The 30% usage is going to last longer.

Corsair is a good brand though. It may be that its just that PSU time. If not RMA.

 

[Moody_99]

could be dust burning or anything close to the heat source. It happened to me once. It appeared to be dust on my fan. try the monitor adapter if you have they heat up quickly like laptop main chargers.

 

[sanzen07]

Thanks again for all the input. I contacted Corsair for an RMA and they replaced it no problem - just got it put back in yesterday and everything seems okay so far. :thumbsup: