• Hardware

  • Burning smell in a working computer.

Hello,

I have a computer, actually motherboard which smells burning, which is the problem. The computer works like charm, can be used for months continuously with a 50% overclock. I need to remove this smell because it's horrible.

Looking at the motherboard, there is no physical damage or wear (capacitors, etc...).

I tried wiping it with alcohol and using a blower to remove any dust off the components. No use.
Should I use Detol? :D

Thank you in advance!
Thermal Paste? Check it under the heat sink... Heat + Blow = Sensible odor.
What PSU are you using and what wattage ? Also what's your PC's specifications ?

Burning smell come from dying PSUs. Also is your CPU fan a stock fan ? Because, some fans come with plastic coverings in the bottom if you haven't removed it, that can be the cause of the smell and I suggest you remove it immediately.

Also, you never use liquid to clean your PC. You should only blow cold air onto it. Also when removing heat sinks always clean and reapply fresh thermal paste (Just put a small amount of paste. The size should to a little bigger to an uncooked rice.)
TPR0 wroteThermal Paste? Check it under the heat sink... Heat + Blow = Sensible odor.
I did that. I applied new paste and still...

The PSU is not the glitch. I have the computer disassembled right now. Everytime I try to smell the motherboard... Tada!
It seems to be around the AGP slot. There are 2 MOSFETs and 3 capacitors in good condition.

What to do?
Multimeter with capacitance measurement should do the half job. Plus, check voltage stability, voltage regulators etc...
Try reducing the overclock. Is the smell still there?
Do you have a Video adapter? Do you have onboard video too?
rolf wroteTry reducing the overclock. Is the smell still there?
Do you have a Video adapter? Do you have onboard video too?
Yes, the smell is still there. It is actually on the motherboard even if it's turned off. So when you first start the computer, you think the house is on fire.

I am using the onboard video card. I don't have an AGP card to test. I think I should get something to wipe the area with thoroughly (maybe it's the material that the OEM (probably) spray on top of solder joints?) or, just get some sticker and place it so it will prevent the smell from hitting the skies :P
Ok. Now I'm confused. I checked again and there is no smell at the AGP slot. It's the RAM sticks (4 sticks) and their slots and I think that's it. MemTest/IntelBurnTest find no errors and the PC is completely stable.

Now what?
julien_saadeh wroteOk. Now I'm confused. I checked again and there is no smell at the AGP slot. It's the RAM sticks (4 sticks) and their slots and I think that's it. MemTest/IntelBurnTest find no errors and the PC is completely stable.

Now what?
Well if you can trace it down to a ram module, then you should replace it - of course if you can still find it and if it's not too expensive. Since you have an AGP slot I guess this is an older computer. But maybe I can help, or maybe someone else has old parts.
Well i don't know if this could help you because it does for me ,
if you could have some 95% alcohol and wash the motherboard
orrr if you have access to any kind of thermal camera you can check the source of heat/odor.