Motherboard and PSU issues occurred shortly after installation. Was it due to a hidden problem or mere coincidence?
Motherboard and PSU issues occurred shortly after installation. Was it due to a hidden problem or mere coincidence?
Hello forum members, I recently set up a new system around 18 months ago and have already experienced two significant component failures. The first was a dead motherboard about three months after the build, which I replaced via an RMA request. The second issue is a failing power supply that happened just a couple of days ago; I've submitted an RMA but haven't received any response yet. Given these problems, I started to worry if something else might be causing my system difficulties. It's possible that the PSU wasn't working properly and contributed to the motherboard failure, even though I tested it with a voltmeter after the motherboard died—everything seemed normal. Could there be another factor at play? Also, it's worth noting that my PC is always connected to a surge protector. Thank you for your time and any advice you can offer.
The voltmeter only shows the voltage, not ripple, hold-up times, or other issues. You must measure voltages under a load, as the open circuit voltage can differ significantly. A costly PSU tester or some expertise with an oscilloscope is required.
You could verify that the power from the outlet you connected has proper operation and a good ground. Other high-power devices on the same circuit might cause ground faults or power fluctuations in your PSU.
A pure sine wave UPS/Line Conditioner could be useful.
It might be challenging to identify, as I have observed even DOA components in consumer electronics. Have there been any cases when the mains power circuit breaker linked to the room housing the PC was tripped? Were there any lightning strikes in the surrounding area? Confirm grounding with a professional electrician. Did you work with the components such as the motherboard or CPU without using ESD wrist straps? ESD can unexpectedly damage electronics. Is the PC placed on a soft carpet?
And surge protectors do not remain effective indefinitely. They are designed to handle a specific level of energy (measured in Joules).
Cumulative: A single major strike or multiple smaller ones can cause protection failure.
FYI:
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/...rs use one of,excess current to the ground.
You can quickly locate other related resources.