Gateway Explosion


  #1  
Old 08-26-17, 06:58 AM
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Gateway Explosion

The title may sound a bit dramatic. Now that I have your attention, here is my problem:

I have an old Gateway desktop PC. When I turned it on this morning, there was a loud pop and smoke. I opened the case and could not see any obvious damage. I removed the power supply and opened it up. The power supply had visible burn damage.

What are the odds that other parts of the computer are damaged? Trying to decide whether to repair or junk.

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The damage is around the smaller transformer in the center of the first two photos.

The burned area on the back of the circuit board is under the transformers.
 
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Last edited by PJmax; 08-26-17 at 02:27 PM. Reason: added pic from link
  #2  
Old 08-26-17, 09:08 AM
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How old is the computer?

If you're lucky the only damage is to the power supply itself. You can't tell until you try to boot it though.

You always pull the HD and try to read it with a USB adapter.
 
  #3  
Old 08-26-17, 01:53 PM
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If it's older than 5 years, tarsh it and buy a new computer. Not worth repairing.
 
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Old 08-26-17, 02:29 PM
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Added a pic from your link. That power supply is wiped out. They are designed to clamp the output and don't always hurt the computer.

Those supplies are readily available. Ask around. Everyone has old computers around. I have a box of old power supplies.
 
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Old 08-31-17, 06:18 AM
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Update

After reading the replies on this forum, I decided to go for a repair attempt. Ordered and installed a new power supply. Started up system and all seems to be well. Only time will tell. Thanks for everyone's help.
 
 

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