Where is the static coming from in my machine?

[ohforfs]

About a year ago I was getting a lot of static from my machine (getting shocks when I touched stuff after using my mouse). It actually blew a graphics card on me. I was able to tell it was a fan with faulty bearings (I could hear it when I went into the machine and looked around whilst it was on). Replaced the fan, static gone.

This time it is a new machine built in the same case and I am getting the same problem, also with crackling on my audio (though only when listening to the TV which is connected to the back of the satelite box).

This time I cannot hear any faulty fans and am wondering if anyone has any ideas on tracking this down.

There is the possibility it is coming from the satelite box which has the audio attached - I am not hearing any popping or clicking in games - but I am still getting static shocks when I, for example, touch a radiator after using my PC.

Any help would be appreciated as I am a bit stuck at this point on how to proceed.

Many thanks.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

Uhh, that sounds like you've got a grounding issue or a short happening somewhere. Frankly, I'm surprised the system is still working.

Start disconnecting stuff (any peripherals), boot to bios, disconnect keyboard/mouse, let it sit. If it keeps happening, it's probably something on the board touching something on the case. If it doesn't, start adding peripherals until it starts again. I'd add the ones less likely to be doing stuff first (kb/mouse, camera, whateverE) and get to the exotic stuff like that satellite box last. And be careful, those 110 outlets can still kill you.

 

[ohforfs]

Well it started about 8 months after the new build - it's not a build issue I am pretty sure (been building mine and others for 20+ years now). But thanks for the reply

 

[ohforfs]

I think it's a fan or static coming from the satelite box audio but I am not certain. As I can't hear anything wrong with the case fans I am at a loss as how to track it down.

 

[corkyg]

disconnecting the satellite box audio should eliminate it as a source. You can do the same for each case fan.