Data Centers

Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

By // April 24, 2008, 3:31 AM PST // billdetwiler

Image 1 of 3

  • 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

  • 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

  • Crispy critters, anyone?

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

    Credit: Reprinted with permission from Rod Shelley

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

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...