A near disaster averted...

[kvnband]

Well, I put together 3 PCs today, all identical in terms of processors/ram, etc.....I leave them all running getting windows updates and go to get lunch. Boss comes in while I'm gone and checks everything to make sure it's all good. I come back from lunch just in time to see flames start coming out of the back of one of the cases. Went and yanked the power and grabbed the fire extinguisher....I have yet to determine what caused it, as I'm afraid to even touch the damned thing (because I put it together, whatever happened is my fault..I don't want to mess with it any further)

I can't imagine the trouble I'd be in if I hadn't got here when I did....I think there must have been some faulty hardware at play, as they were all 3 identical to put together, and they were all 3 running for about 3 hours before I even left for lunch..then another hour while I was gone at lunch..and THEN one decided to catch on fire....Was gonna grab pictures, but I can't find our stupid camera....

Pray for me - I need my job

[Graehstone]

Consider it done my friend.

[Buteo]

I've only seen actual flames coming outta a system twice. Once was due to a malfunctioning power supply.
The second was from a dropped screw shorting out the video card.

[grandma]

Were the fans running?
That is interesting Keven, I build computers too.

[kvnband]

Originally Posted by Buteo

I've only seen actual flames coming outta a system twice. Once was due to a malfunctioning power supply.
The second was from a dropped screw shorting out the video card.

This was a first for me. I imagine the max damage that would have been done is smoke damage on the ceiling (the work bench is isolated from all walls, furniture, etc...)

After some investigation, we figured it out, and you were very close....A case screw had dropped (I guess I should make sure all the case screws are tight next time) on to the mobo while we were gone and caused some major shortage. I'm NOT in trouble and my boss just laughed and said no big deal (gotta love nice people) We're able to return it and get a new one, so no big deal (and luckily, all attached devices are still 100% OK....I was really worried that the processor would be fried too, but it was fine. The damage was isolated to one spot on the motherboard, and didn't even go near any of the components)...lucky kevin..

[Quito's Qage]

I have a tendency to leave spare case screws floating around in the bottom of the case when I build or work on 'puters. Prolly not such a great idea! Glad to hear everything worked out ok.

[FeatherLover]

Kevin, if it makes you feel any better, I once started a fire making Jello.

[Tiki]

I've been known to burn boiled eggs!

[Mike B]

Glad everything worked out. That musta been a sight to come back to.

Mike

[mizbirdy]

Glad to hear everything turned out ok!! Boy, I'll bet your heart was in your stomach when you saw that!!