Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
Data Centers

Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

By Bill Detwiler April 24, 2008, 3:31 AM PDT Bill Detwiler on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 3

roach-01.jpg
roach-01.jpg
Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

The dead PC power supply's autopsy begins

The dead PC power supply's autopsy begins

This computer came in for “no power.” The tech opened up the power supply, thinking maybe it was just a blown fuse, and saw the badly fried chips shown in this photo.

From 1994 to 2002 Rod Shelley worked as a PC technician at a major computer retail store in the US. After seeing all kinds of wacky, operator-induced computer issues, Shelley decided to start documenting them–including the pictures in this gallery.

Rod has graciously allowed TechRepublic to republish his photos. Check out our “Computer bloopers and blunders from the technically clueless” for more photos from Shelly.

You can also learn more about Rod and read his musings about photography, technology, and computer repair on his Web site–Rod’s Lair.

Credit: Reprinted with permission from Rod Shelley

Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

Scorched circuit board provides a clue

Scorched circuit board provides a clue

Wondering if there was a loose screw under the circuit board, he pulled the board out. He found this scorched arc point. And on the inside of the power supply case…

Credit: Reprinted with permission from Rod Shelley

Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

Crispy critters, anyone?

Crispy critters, anyone?

EEEWWWWWWWW! This roach literally exploded–along with the chips!

Credit: Reprinted with permission from Rod Shelley

  • Data Centers
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

    Your email has been sent

Share: Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self
Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
  • Account Information

    Contact Bill Detwiler

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Bill's content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×