Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

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

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Unlucky insect fries PC power supply and explodes self

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

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.

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