What Should I Do If My Computer Sparked and Won't Turn On?

Yeah, it definitely sounds like you need a new power supply. When you get a 'boom' and sparks involved, it's really not a good sign. If you’re not comfortable replacing it yourself, just take it to a repair shop. They’ll figure out what’s damaged and fix it up for you.

Sounds like the power supply unit (PSU) might have blown, especially if it sparked right there at the plug. First things first, unplug the computer and check for any burn marks or melted areas around the socket and plug. If there's no visible damage, try a different power cord and see if that helps. If it still doesn't power up, you’ll probably need a new PSU, which can be under $100 depending on where you buy it from.

In most cases, a cheap fix is to replace the PSU. But just keep in mind, if it sparked, it could have caused problems for other components too. It's best to check everything out or have a professional look at it if you’re unsure.

Honestly, once you see sparks, the PSU is usually toast. I wouldn’t even bother trying to service it yourself - call up a repair service or just buy a new one. Just make sure it’s a good brand; you don’t want to skimp on a power supply.

I wouldn’t recommend opening up the PSU to look inside unless you’re trained. It's unsafe! Just get a new power supply and hope your motherboard is still okay. If you notice anything burned out around the power connection, it might get trickier.