Urgent computer advice needed

[Mr. Harley]

One other thing - operating at half voltage generally doesn't kill electronics. It depends on what the power supply let get pass it's fuses, and if anything went through the ground side, which is only fused in good power supplies.

Skanky nicely explained why it fried. The problem would be that, since it was expecting 1/2 voltage, when you passed it double that, something got through to your components. Get a CHEAP power supply and starting testing components one by one, starting with the MB, video card, and memory. I once had a network of three machines all fry within one week - same cheap sh*t bunch of capacitors in the PS, and all had been assembled from the same lots of cases, MB, and processors.

One of the PS had some capacitors actually explode. I only managed to salvage the memory. The others only had the MB blow, and everything else was fine - those capacitors only had swollen ends. Try the returns like the other posters recommended. Hope it works out.

[Panzer]

Thank you all for the replies!

Yes, the system worked perfectly when my uncle booted it up (several times actually). It was only after I had closed the case and replugged all the wires that the system would not boot up anymore (though the LED light on the board was burning, so there definitely was power running through it).

Fortunately I bought the best computer case (including power supply) they had in the store, so that increases the likelyhood of survival somewhat. I've brought the computer to the store and they are now replacing the power supply, testing the system and replacing any fried components. The store clerk said that it probably wouldn't fall under the warranty, so lets hope it's just the power supply that is fried and not all the other components as well.

*hugs his bank account*

[Urban Ranger]

Something's messed up with your "best" power supply. Maybe it just couldn't generate enough wattage.

[Dis]

now if the silly euros would conform to standard american voltages we wouldn't have this problem.

[Skanky Burns]

Europe uses 230/240 volts. Australia uses 230/240 volts. Seems to me that, once again, America is alone in its own standard.

[Asher]

Canada uses the same as the US.

Seeing as where electricity was first commercialized was in North America, I'd say that ours is the true standard.

[Urban Ranger]

You save energy by using a higher voltage

[SpencerH]

One would have to think that the higher voltage is more dangerous though. Using 240V is proof that the euros dont care about their citizens.

[Skanky Burns]

You can survive a 240 volt jolt. My electronics professor is proof of that.

[SpencerH]

You missed the point of my post

THE worst jolt I ever took was from a power supply used for running DNA sequencing gels with variable voltage and amperage. I was sloppy and just turned it down to 0 V (maybe 1V) rather than off. I accidently touched the contacts and it threw me across the room. I have no idea how many amps I pulled but it was A LOT.