*POWER SURGE!* error codes, now completely non-responsive

[Bageland2000]

So first things first, yes I have my computer plugged into a surge protector.

Power surge comes in earlier today. Resets my HTPC, desktop, TV, everything. Everything except my desktop boots back up fine, but I get error codes on the error code display of the motherboard. The code is for SATA/IDE issues. So I disconnect all SSDs and I get another error code related to PCI-E (of which I have no devices installed).

So I disconnect everything but the CPU/RAM, pull the CMOS battery out, disconnect the 24 pin, pull the power cord, hold the power button for 30 seconds, wait ten minutes, and I go to plug the stuff in. When I plug the 24 pin in, the computer turns on for a brief second (fans, LEDs) turns off, and then nothings happens (weird; it shouldn't have even powered on just because I plugged the 24 pin in). Once everything is plugged in and I hit the power button I get no response (uh-oh).

I tested the PSU with a power tester and the PSU turns on when I hit the power switch.

I pulled EVERYTHING out of the case and test the mobo on the box, with a CPU (which I re-seated), and one stick of RAM and just the 24 and 8 pin CPU power cables. Motherboard power button does nothing.

It seems obvious that it was power surge damage, but I don't want to assume anything. Also, it has me very confused why this would happen with a surge protector. So what is most likely to be damaged? Since the PSU powers on with the tester, can I safely assume it's good at least? I don't really mind too much of the RAM/CPU/Mobo was damaged I guess, it's older and I've needed a reason to build a new machine anyway, but I want to make sure it's dead before I go ham on a new build. Any thoughts?

 

[sinisterDei]

So, if your system has been hit by a surge and suffered damage, you really should write *everything* off as damaged goods. *ESPECIALLY* the power supply. The metal of the case is probably fine.

Thing is, if the power supply suffered some kind of damage, it might pass that along to anything new you plug into it. Its power regulation could be way out of whack and it could over or undervolt on the different rails. Just because it's on doesn't mean it's working.

It's *probably* safe to test the RAM/CPU/storage devices in another system; they're not likely to 'spread' the damage as much as just not work if they are busted.

The motherboard I would never touch again and would never plug good hardware into ever again. Part of the mobo's job is power distribution to the CPU slot, memory slots, PCIe slots, fan headers, etc. If the mobo is dorked up, it can spread the damage. It's not as likely, but I wouldn't do it.

Here's the bottom line; your system got hit with a power surge that for sure damaged some things, and maybe damaged everything else. You just don't know, and you don't want to be unsure about the reliability of your components.

If you've got any other damage in the house, you might go for an insurance claim. Or you might be covered (though probably not) by your surge protector if it's not $4. Otherwise, you're likely pretty fucked.