Hey everyone! I've been running into a bizarre issue with my PC lately. There's a strange smell coming from behind the case that I can't quite put my finger on—it's reminiscent of burnt electrical components or something similar. I ruled out the PSU and the fans since the smell started with my original PSU and persisted even after I swapped it out.
I visited the shop where I purchased my PC, and they told me everything's fine, suggesting it's just the smell of new components. This strange aroma only kicked in about a month after I bought the machine. Despite that, my temperatures are great, never exceeding 60°C, and I've had no crashes or shutdowns. I'm really hoping someone can help me figure this out!
3 Answers
Don't ignore it; it's better to be safe. Check your power outlet and see if you're using an extension cord. Sometimes, connections can cause sparks and strange smells if they're loose or damaged, particularly with high-end specs drawing a lot of power. Just to be thorough, try plugging the PC into a different outlet.
Make sure you checked all the plastic coverings on components. Sometimes, people leave little bits of plastic on that can cause odors. If you didn't leave anything behind, you might also want to inspect the cables. If any are damaged or overheating, that could definitely lead to bad smells. Plus, don’t disregard what the shop said—they should take these concerns seriously, as it could be a fire hazard.
I’m confident I removed all the plastic, and I switched cables when I changed the PSU. The shop claimed they tested everything for hours and found nothing wrong.
It sounds like what you're smelling could be "new product smell". Sometimes, new materials can off-gas for a while. If it's not an electrical issue and your temperatures are fine, try turning it off and unplugging it for a day. If the smell remains, it could be something unrelated in your room.
I'll give that a shot! But I have a hunch it's coming from the exhaust fan at the back.
I’m using a new Belkin extension for my setup. Should I be concerned about that? What should be my next step?