Did I kill my computer?

[nikko]

Ok, so my rig is the one indicated in my signature line. The other day I was trying to hook up my external drive via firewire. Well, in a noob move, I didn't check before putting it in, and it turns out I was actually putting the firewire cable into the ethernet port on my mobo. My computer suddenly powered down and I haven't been able to get it back up since. When I press the power button absolutely nothing happens. I cracked open the case and the lights on the motherboard itself won't turn on either, so it doesn't seem like it's getting any power whatsoever.

Any ideas on what might have happened? Or, even better, how I might fix it? I find it hard to believe that what I did would kill the power supply, but perhaps it did. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[stahlhart]

A local computer shop might have one of those PSU testers available. They're not 100% foolproof, but ought to be able to spot a completely dead one.

There's a possibility that the supply is fused internally for short-circuit protection, but unless you're experienced with electronics servicing you'd probably be better off just getting a replacement and not messing with it.

 

[Saithegeek]

Hmm, firewire plug shouldn't be able to touch an "sensitive" parts in the ethernet port that could cause it to short. Might just have been a coincidence. Most local PC shops will test your power supply for free as it takes them 20 seconds of work. Have you reset the CMOS? Just pop out that clock battery looking thing on your motherboard for one minute and pop it back in and then try to power up your rig.

 

[denis280]

SHORT? static is deadly for a mobo.do the fans turn when you power up or not.if not could be the psu.you could try another psu and see.but my guest is. the the mobo probably got damage.

 

[nikko]

SHORT? static is deadly for a mobo.do the fans turn when you power up or not.if not could be the psu.you could try another psu and see.but my guest is. the the mobo probably got damage.

The fans do not turn when I power up. That said, when I did the "paper clip test" on my PSU, the fan on it did turn. Does that rule out it being bad?

 

[BoomerD]

The fans do not turn when I power up. That said, when I did the "paper clip test" on my PSU, the fan on it did turn. Does that rule out it being bad?

No, but it does show some basic functionality.

I don't see how the hell you could stuff a firewire connector into an ethernet port...

 

[pete1229]

No, but it does show some basic functionality.

I don't see how the hell you could stuff a firewire connector into an ethernet port...

I was wondering the exact same thing!

 

[lenjack]

Power supply tester is about $15 if you want to test yourself.

 

[oynaz]

Ethernet ports take a lot of abuse, and I have seen them let go of the soldering, and short-circuit a board before. Something like that is the most likely reason for the malfunction, IMO, not the poor PSU.