Computer blew up...but not sure what

[jaqie]

Ive done so, you are assuming a lot about me... wrongly, actually. Yes, there are some models that are lemons, you get that kind of thing when you ride the line between price and performance. Avoid the bad ones, go for the good, keep on top of it. Just like anything else on a budget. I would expand on this more but I have a lot of errands to run today. have a good day!

 

[jsalpha2]

If you have another computer, download a memory test boot cd like Memtest86+ http://www.memtest.org/
If your memory is ok, check the hard drive for errors using the built in utility.
Visually inspect the contacts on the memory, video card, and any other add in cards.
Blow all the dust out of the system, and if your up to it clean the CPU heat sink and apply new thermal compound.
Good Luck

 

[NesuD]

If you say so. Never mind my own first hand experience working stages and large media rooms. APC was never in the conversation due to fialure rates. Buy a lab scope. Find out for yourself. The power supplies they use are cheap. hence the price.

Ok I use APC units in my server room. I have three of them. One with a management card. These are hardly cheap units and I have had them long enough to go through the entire lifecycle if the battery packs inside of 2 of the units and they have always been flawless. I also use a 1400 VA unit in my home that cost me about $150. It is a very good unit for home use and again has been flawless just like the old 450 va it replaced that was 10 years old and is still in use in my home theater system. APC is the industry leader for a reason in Enterprise grade UPS equipment. They are also heads above anyone else for SOHO equipment. I have never lost any hardware that was behind an APC unit due to UPS failure in 15 years of using them. I have had a couple turned into scorched boat anchors by an exploding transformer but the hardware behind them was perfect and stayed in service for several years after. What you are suggesting the OP do in between ripping APC is foolish and a waste of money.

 

[MechxWarrior]

The ONLY APC units that are crap, are the Back-UPS XS and RS lines. And especially the ancient Back-UPS series. The Back-UPS Pro, and the Back-UPS CS series are very reliable -- as are many of the Back-UPS ES.

When you get to the Smart-UPS line, quality is immediately apparent -- they are very good units.

You complaining about the sine wave, shows you have no idea what you are talking about. The Back-UPS line DOES output a stepped sine wave -- they are very clear about that. Once you get to the Smart-UPS line, its a TRUE sine wave.

http://www.pbase.com/wlarmon/ups_waveforms - this guy has done all the research. APC units are very good and trustworthy, just do NOT buy the cheap ones. Its as simple as that.

http://www.refurbups.com/APC-UPS-Systems has a great value on their units -- they test used, working equipment that they buy in bulk, slap in brand new batteries and if they pass testing they sell them for a fraction of the price of new. Been using them for years, and while occasionally an issue arises, they are very knowledgeable and very helpful. In fact, if anyone wants to buy from them I can give you a 5% coupon for your first order.

 

[nitenichiryu1]

Thanks everyone for the help and useful links. So far it seems like the system is running okay. Not much has changed with it since I last changed the PSU.

On another note, many of you seem to be very fervent about the UPS systems, and I appreciate everyone of you offering the best of your knowledge. These clashing perspectives help me a lot, but lets keep it in good fun =D. Thanks again everyone!

 

[jaqie]

Repeating yourself for what reason? I have had Oscopes before, I have looked at and even designed and built my own before. Have you?

 

[Modelworks]

When it comes to UPS you are better to buy one good one now and just replace batteries in the future. Unfortunately people buy the cheapest they can find and a $125 UPS is not going to match a $500+ unit no matter how much advertising they put on it.

Using a UPS now that is over 8 years old, but it is double conversion, true sine wave, etc but cost over $1k originally. Only thing changed is I upgraded it to external marine batteries.

Older version of:
http://powerquality.eaton.com/PULSML2200-XL3U.aspx?CX=3

 

[jaqie]

I find it richly ironic that you bash buying a used back-ups pro that is line interactive and then extoll the virtues of a used UPS after bashing one that was priced rather similar when new.