MY COMPUTER CAUGHT FIRE!!!

[x86]

My dad's Athlon XP 1800+ setup w/ EP-8KHA+ caught fire when my foot accidentally knocked the power button when I was installing a water cooler on the CPU to overclock it. Thankfully, I had a pitcher of water for the water cooler by my side. So I quickly poured the water onto the motherboard and CPU. They are both ruined and I am trying to get a refund.

Now I need a replacement computer, all of the accessories and peripherals are still in good shape, it is just the motherboard and CPU that are ruined. I am never going to use an AMD setup again because of its high flammability. This is really not funny after what has happened to me. I decided to turn to Intel, but I require some help in selecting a motherboard for the Northwood.

Which is the best chipset for a DDR solution? I am leaning towards the 845-D because of its high compatibility and stability. I prefer ATA133 as well as integrated RAID for my extra HDD. I also want USB 2.0 integrated for an upgrade path. I have compiled a list of possible motherboard manufacturers: MSI, ASUS, SOYO, ABIT, EPOX, and GIGABYTE. I want the one that offers the least amount of problems. Which is the best overclocker? It is surprising that I have not learned that overclocking can do harm to your computer.

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

So, you're trying to get a refund because you're a clutz and you spilled water on your cpu when trying to overclock it? I'd be a wonder to get that RMA approved without lying through your teeth...

If you're worried about a chipset's "flammability" my suggestion would be to stick with quiet air cooling. Not meant to be a flame, but you do know the electricity flowing thru a P4 is just as conductive as the electricity flowing thru an Athlon, right?



<< It is surprising that I have not learned that overclocking can do harm to your computer. >>


Overclocking didn't...pouring water all over it did.

Anyways, to stay on task.. I've had good luck with the brands Epox and Soyo, but I'm not too sure on how they fare with P4's.

Anyways, sorry if I came off a little harsh. I just think it's silly to blame AMD for a ruined chipset/processor when ya yank the power with your foot and pour water all over the system.

 

[Killrose]

So you fired-up the computer without a heatsink/fan eh? You shoulda just let the Athlon burn itself-up, you woulda had less smoke then what you ended up with.

 

[MisterNi]

Don't crosspost. You've already posted this in GH.

 

[hwstock]

<< My dad's Athlon XP 1800+ setup w/ EP-8KHA+ caught fire when my foot accidentally knocked the power button when I was installing a water cooler on the CPU to overclock it. Thankfully, I had a pitcher of water for the water cooler by my side. So I quickly poured the water onto the motherboard and CPU. They are both ruined and I am trying to get a refund. >>



I'm not convinced this isn't a troll. In the case that you are serious: UNPLUG YOUR SYSTEM, or at least turn off the MAIN power switch on the back of the power supply, before you EVER touch the insides. If you don't do things that are massively, incredibly unsafe, you won't have to suffer the consequences of things that are massively, incredibly unsafe.

True, you would not need heroic cooling for a Northwood P4. But is the cost of a water cooler (and in your case, a destroyed system) much less than the delta to an Athlon 2000+?


My guess is that I don't have to ask you about the static protection you were affording the system.

 

[tornadobox]

dood, you don't have to post this thread in every single frikkin part of the forum!!!

 

[x86]

<< It is surprising that I have not learned that overclocking can do harm to your computer. >>


Overclocking didn't...pouring water all over it did.

I poured the water AFTER the chip was fried to prevent any more damage.

 

[x86]

<< I'm not convinced this isn't a troll. In the case that you are serious: UNPLUG YOUR SYSTEM, or at least turn off the MAIN power switch on the back of the power supply, before you EVER touch the insides. If you don't do things that are massively, incredibly unsafe, you won't have to suffer the consequences of things that are massively, incredibly unsafe. >>



The number 1 thing that every trained computer techie should know is NOT to unplug their system. If the system is not plugged in, then where can the static discharge go?! Go and read: "A+ Certification for Dummies" They tell you that you should leave the cord in at all times to be grounded.

 

[x86]

STICK WITH THE MAIN TOPIC!!! Which is the best MB w/ RAID?!

 

[ctk1981]

DocSmarts: Arent you supposed to be wearing a grounded anti static wrist strap, which would defeat the purpose of having the computer plugged in? And a Antistatic mat placed under the system that you are working on?

That comes directly from the A+ Certifiication Study guide. We were always taught in class to have a antistatic wrist strap, and for class lab we were required to have them while working on the schools computer. At no time was the computer actually left plugged in.

The fact that you are asking for a RMA/Refund is complete bull$hit. You fried the d@mn thing by leaving it plugged in. I dont mean to bash you or anything and I apologize for doing so but cmon man....it really is your fault. The simple fact you poured water on it destroyed it completely (I do realize it was probably trash by the time you did this), but you risked destroying everything by doing so. Thats like saying you should put together a computer system from the ground up while having the power supply plugged in.

Going intel isnt going to solve anything, if you poured a pitcher of water over a intel or forget to have a heatsink/fan on it chances are it would ruin that too.....even so more if you poured a pitcher of water over it.

Lastly, how the hell do you accidently bump the power switch with your foot?!? Sorry man, just curious on that one is all. did you like, have it laying on its side on the floor? Or accidently stepped on the power strip with your foot?

Anyways, next time be more careful. I know that sounds like easy advice.....dont worry...ive done some real stupid things myself just because i wasnt careful/didnt think ahead.

 

[SpeedTester]

<< STICK WITH THE MAIN TOPIC!!! Which is the best MB w/ RAID?! >>



Ummm the main topic says "MY COMPUTER CAUGHT FIRE!!!"

NOT Which is the best MB w/ RAID?!

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

The number 1 thing that every trained computer techie should know is NOT to unplug their system. If the system is not plugged in, then where can the static discharge go?! Go and read: "A+ Certification for Dummies" They tell you that you should leave the cord in at all times to be grounded.

RTFM!!!!! It will tell you specifically to shut off power or unplug from wall before doing anything..This includes removing/installing: IO cards, processors, HSF's, RAM (especially this), etc...


hwstock: I think you are right

So I quickly poured the water onto the motherboard and CPU What the hell were you thinking to pour water on an electronic device? Be lucky you didn't burn the whole damn house down.

 

[Adul]

hahaha. chalk it up to stupidity. Anyways try the abit mb.

 

[TSDible]

<< I am never going to use an AMD setup again because of its high flammability. This is really not funny after what has happened to me. >>



So your never using an AMD setup again because they don't work underwater? Don't plan on having much more luck with Intel on this one.

PS... It is a little funny what has happened to you.

 

[Mr.Mike]

Docsmarts, not too bright.

"HIGH FLAMMABILITY" I have to admit that was the funniest thing I heard all day.

Make sure you explain to the vendor why the board and cpu are fried, they could probably use a good laugh!!!!

I don't mean to flame you, but dude that is 100% your fault!!!!!!! The vendor is going to laugh you right out of the store.

 

[Train]

damn dude, even I, the laziest man on earth, can remember to pull the power cord out when working on my computer. Too bad you didnt die from smoke inhalation, you would have won a darwin award.

 

[FirelionGivesHamAway]

Alright to start off I had to sign up on the forums just to comment on this guy. He's a real winner.

Let's first start off that I never knew someone could top themselves several times over in stupidity on the same thread. I mean that takes some real talent.

I mean why would you throw water on a electronic appliance anyways? If your cpu is on fire you snuff it out with a towel or something, but I don't need to be telling you this since you're "DocSmarts" you already know that fire needs oxygen to burn.

I mean what the hell? Why don't you just use peanut butter as a thermal compound for your CPU and Heatsink. While you're at it why don't you just shove your Athlon XP into the floppy drive; cause you know that if you put things in the floppy drive they reach the RMA people 100 times faster and you'll have your new Athlon XP within 20 seconds. Then when you get your CPU just throw every appliance that is more complex then a pencil sharpener out the window cause you don't wanna throw water on them when you set them on fire either; don't forget to run your head into the wall also.

You are the epidemy of moronic stupidity, you should not be using a computer and having the name on DocSmarts isn't to bright either. I mean, are you purposely trying to tell everyone you're a moron by posting this in every single thread? Why don't you just wear a sign that says, "I'm a moron I don't know how to RTFM."

Last but not least don't bother replying. I'm sure you will just post some kind of moronic response that will further make you look like a jackass.

-Firelion out V-A-B

 

[Adul]

<< Alright to start off I had to sign up on the forums just to comment on this guy. He's a real winner.

Let's first start off that I never knew someone could top themselves several times over in stupidity on the same thread. I mean that takes some real talent.

I mean why would you throw water on a electronic appliance anyways? If your cpu is on fire you snuff it out with a towel or something, but I don't need to be telling you this since you're "DocSmarts" you already know that fire needs oxygen to burn.

I mean what the hell? Why don't you just use peanut butter as a thermal compound for your CPU and Heatsink. While you're at it why don't you just shove your Athlon XP into the floppy drive; cause you know that if you put things in the floppy drive they reach the RMA people 100 times faster and you'll have your new Athlon XP within 20 seconds. Then when you get your CPU just throw every appliance that is more complex then a pencil sharpener out the window cause you don't wanna throw water on them when you set them on fire either; don't forget to run your head into the wall also.

You are the epidemy of moronic stupidity, you should not be using a computer and having the name on DocSmarts isn't to bright either. I mean, are you purposely trying to tell everyone you're a moron by posting this in every single thread? Why don't you just wear a sign that says, "I'm a moron I don't know how to RTFM."

Last but not least don't bother replying. I'm sure you will just post some kind of moronic response that will further make you look like a jackass.

-Firelion out V-A-B >>



OMg brother that was freaking hilarious!

 

[Lanyap]

Uh-oh, somebody's gonna get a whippin.

So did the CPU actually catch on fire with flames and everything?

I hope you didn't poor the water on it while it was still plugged in!

 

[oldfoof]

Going Intel will not solve your problems! Dont blame AMD or Epox for your goof up! It happens to all of us at one time or another.

But Man accept its ur faul dont make a big stink over it.

 

[Mrburns2007]

I always unplug mine when I work on it and so far there haven't been any downsides. Static electricity is better then a fire or pouring water on it. Also the Asus boards have a BIOS setting for checking to make sure the CPU fan is spinning. If it's not spinning then it won't post....would have saved you in this case.

 

[2NaTacoT8ster]

From another thread DocRetard started:
MAN THIS SUCKS!

I was masturbating to some granny pr0n while building my computer and eating Cheetos. While I was wanking, I spooged. I looked at my penis, and noticed it was orange from the Cheetos, so I tried to wipe it off. While doing so, I knocked a randomly placed gallon of water all over my rig, which I foolishly placed open to hold my granny pr0n mag. DAMN! When my computer exploded, it killed my fern. Then I stomped out the fire, and accidentally stomped on my Palm V. I am blaming AMD for this. Those bastards! I'm going to over-spend on an Intel processor based setup, which would die EXACTLY the same way due to MY STUPIDITY, but I heard Intel likes to watch.

I haven't laughed this hard in a long while!! Dude, are U a masochist or what??????

 

[Conscript]

<< From another thread DocRetard started:
MAN THIS SUCKS!

I was masturbating to some granny pr0n while building my computer and eating Cheetos. While I was wanking, I spooged. I looked at my penis, and noticed it was orange from the Cheetos, so I tried to wipe it off. While doing so, I knocked a randomly placed gallon of water all over my rig, which I foolishly placed open to hold my granny pr0n mag. DAMN! When my computer exploded, it killed my fern. Then I stomped out the fire, and accidentally stomped on my Palm V. I am blaming AMD for this. Those bastards! I'm going to over-spend on an Intel processor based setup, which would die EXACTLY the same way due to MY STUPIDITY, but I heard Intel likes to watch.

I haven't laughed this hard in a long while!! Dude, are U a masochist or what?????? >>





some 13 yr olds have a better imagination than others.... I give him points for imagination, but he loses in the style dept. Too bad this didn't really happen, because I got a good laugh picturing some guy setting up his watec cooling with it plugged it, and his comp burning up in flames due to stupidity...

 

[theplanb]

I'm just curious.. is it possible for a CPU to catch fire which results in more fire to the motherboard and so on?
Wouldn't CPU just die out after the puff of smoke? It the CPU did catch fire, then are there similar fire-harzardous risk in every single AMD system? You know like if fan fails or heatsink is fallen off or something.. I don't know. I'm just curious.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Get the more detailed story, complete with toasty warm flames, HERE.