I recently powered on my PC, but it shut down suddenly, and shortly after, I noticed a burning smell. I pressed the power button again but nothing happened, so I quickly unplugged it. After letting it sit for a couple of hours, I realized the smell seems strongest near the CPU. However, I noticed the motherboard still had its logo light on even after shutdown. There are no visible scorch marks on the motherboard, but they might be hidden under the CPU cooler. What should I do next? Should I take it to a repair shop, even though I worry about being scammed, or is there a way to handle this myself?
2 Answers
It sounds like you may have a serious issue. Since you can't pinpoint the exact source of the burning smell, it could be anything from a faulty component to something more serious. My guess is to check the motherboard closely; sometimes, minor components fail, and you need a magnifying glass to see the damage. It’s a pain, but if it turns out to be something minor, it might be fixable without a full replacement. Definitely consider having a look at it yourself or getting someone knowledgeable to take a peek before heading to a repair shop!
Honestly, I would urge caution. If you suspect major damage, sometimes it’s worth just taking it to a repair center, but find one that's reputable. You can also post in local forums for recommendations—just stick to well-reviewed places. If you’re not sure, better safe than sorry!
Exactly! Look for reviews or ask trusted friends. Sometimes a second opinion can save you a headache.
Agreed! I faced a similar issue. One tiny capacitor near the RAM went bad, and I didn't notice until I looked closely. If you're comfortable, take off the CPU cooler and inspect under it.