Is there a zapping noise and burning odor possibly coming from the motherboard?
Is there a zapping noise and burning odor possibly coming from the motherboard?
Hello everyone,
My computer worked just fine earlier today, but now it won't turn on anymore.
The problem started when I replaced the GPU with a new one. Putting back the old GPU doesn't solve the issue.
Maybe I touched something I shouldn't have when I switched GPUs.
Whatever the case, I now hear a zapping/buzzing noise which I believe comes from my motherboard. The sound is only audible when the PSU is turned on while it's connected to the motherboard. There's also a faint burning smell.
What can I do? Thanks for your help.
Motherboard: Asus TUF Gaming B760M-plus
PSU: Seasonic S12II-Bronze 520W
PSU: Seasonic S12II-Bronze 520W
That is a bad Unit to have alongside concurrent hardware. Back in the day, the S12II unit was a great unit but with the passage of time, better units were launched for latter hardware.
My computer
When posting a thread of troubleshooting nature, it's customary to include your full system's specs. Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
The problem started when I replaced my GPU with a new one.
What GPU were you on prior and what did you swap to?
Whatever the case, I now hear a zapping/buzzing noise which I believe comes from my motherboard.
You should inspect every connection made to your components, namely the motherboard as you're saying that's where the noise is coming from.
There's also a faint burning smell.
Yeah, If I were you, stop doing what you're doing and disconnect everything. Start inspecting all connections and using your nose, locate the source the smell.
Top group-regulated PSU ever produced. I used it for about three years in 2015. But right now, it’s far too outdated to be functional. It was first released in 2009, which makes it roughly a sixteen-year-old unit. It originally came with a three-year warranty.
Probably the reason is that your new GPU put an excessive strain on the aging PSU, causing it to overload and fail completely. This led to cracks and a strange smell. I’m not sure if the PSU absorbed any other damage (such as MoBo or GPU), but I’d be cautious.
So, a new PSU is definitely necessary. However, without knowing your complete system details—especially the GPU—I can’t recommend an exact wattage.
Some good options are: Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
(My three PCs run on Seasonic. I have two PRIME TX-650 units and one Focus PX-550. Full specs with pictures are in my profile.)
First priorities:
* Replace the PSU.
If you upgrade to a new one, that’s ideal. If not, consider other component replacements. Possible issues could involve CPU, MoBo, RAM, or GPU (or all).
Life lesson: The PSU you used was excellent in the past, but nothing lasts forever. Don’t exceed its warranty time. Seasonic units, on the other hand, often remain reliable well beyond their warranty (I’ve seen S12II-520 units lasting 2–3 times longer than the warranty). But if the PSU finally fails, it can be a total disaster, potentially damaging other parts too.
Thank you for your responses. I made a mistake due to fatigue: my PSU isn't an S12II, but a Seasonic M12II 520W from 2018.
Here are my complete specifications.
CPU: Intel i5-13400F
CPU cooler: Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE
Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B760M-PLUS D4. I don't recall the BIOS update date and can't verify because the machine won't power on. I purchased it in 2023.
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz
SSD/HDD: Crucial MX500 250GB (system) + Crucial P3 1TB (storage) + Lexar NM790 1TB without heatsink (for some apps and media)
old GPU: Gigabyte RTX 3060 gaming OC 12G. new GPU: Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 9060 XT 16G
PSU: Seasonic M12II 520W from 2018
Chassis: Fractal Design Define R4
OS: Windows 11 Home
Monitor (LCD TV): Sony Bravia 40EX500
I've already attempted unplugging the motherboard/PSU cables and reconnecting them, but the outcome remains unchanged. I also inspected the motherboard's screws.
I believe I still have my previous motherboard along with the CPU and RAM somewhere. Should I attempt to boot the computer using the old motherboard/CPU/RAM? Or is that too dangerous?
Update: I've just started investigating the source of the burning smell. It's difficult to pinpoint, but it appears near the motherboard's 24-pin connector area.
It doesn't matter because the M12II EVO is the fully-modular version of S12II. The M12II EVO was launched in 2012 with identical innards and a group-regulated platform. This means your PSU system is now 13 years old, no matter what you purchased. It originally came with a 5-year warranty, which has already expired.
For example, if I bought a '57 Bel Air in 2024 and drove it for one year, the car would still be 68 years old. This is because the PSU is likely dead, and probably other parts too.
Don't do that! Otherwise, you risk damaging other components as well. Right now, your M12II-520 EVO is the weakest part in the PC and may already be dead. A new PSU is essential.
For a fresh PSU, I recommend models from Tier A such as Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, or Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
PSU tier list:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...JW...1973454078
Tier A will suffice, while Tier A+ is preferred.
For your current build, aim for at least 550W, with 650W being ideal. A 750W unit is also fine.
(My three PCs are also powered by Seasonic. I own PRIME 650 Titanium (Tier A+), PRIME Ultra 650 Titanium (Tier A+), and Focus PX-550 (Tier A). Full specifications with pictures are in my profile.)
After getting a new, high-quality PSU, connect it to your components and check if the build functions properly. If not, revert to your backup components.
It is recommended to find where the burning smell comes from. It usually stays put, so you should be able to pinpoint it without needing to reactivate anything. You should remove the PSU completely, as you’re swapping it out, and inspect both areas thoroughly. If the smell originates from the PSU and there’s no issue with the motherboard, you’re likely to succeed by just replacing the PSU. However, if there’s burning on the motherboard, replace that too. I wouldn’t risk connecting a fresh PSU to a motherboard with damaged parts, as it could cause further harm.
I've searched for the smell's origin but found it weak and fades quickly after turning off the PSU. It's hard to say if it's from the PSU, the 24-pin connector/cable, or other board parts. I'll update once I have a new PSU. Upgrading was necessary anyway... I just hope I don't face a worse situation.
The MoBo is definitely toast. It could also be a GPU issue because the situation began when you upgraded to a more powerful one.
Corsair CX500 with green label?
If it is, that PSU is of poor quality (Tier E) and I wouldn’t use it even with a 3-foot pole. (It was released in 2013.)
When you try to power it up now, especially after a long period, you might experience a loud "BOOM" and some impressive sparks. I wouldn’t put it at risk. It could even damage components that the M12II-520 EVO didn’t miss. A solid way to end up with a complete set of dead parts in your PC.
But if you decide to power it on right now, I can only offer my condolences. 🪦