Burn smell from PC :: Hardware and Operating Systems

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Aler Apr 20, 2016 @ 1:46pm

Burn smell from PC

I upgraded my PC
GPU : GTX 960 (2 fans)
PSU : VS550 corsair

My case is CM6830
GPU placement is at the very bottom(GPU may not be receiving air)
PSU placement is at the top
I don't have an exhaust case fan(but have the slot for it) nor intake fan.

I was playing a video game, after a while 1-2 hour session, the fans started to make noise (I believe it was GPU but I'm not sure) and after a while a burn smell started to come from PC.
I suddenly shut the PC down, tried to find where the smell is coming from but could not sense it
I rotated my pc 90 degrees to the right(standing on its side) and opened one of the cover.
I tried to play this way and no noise was coming from pc also there was no burn smell or I was not sensing it.
Also I looked at my PC temperature stats
CPU
BIOS 52 *C
While doing nothing, steam is running background : 35-42 *C
During the gameplay of darksiders 2 : 50-65 (60 average) *C
During the gameplay of killing floor 2 : starts with 50, average 60, sometimes 65
GPU was 60*C average in all games.

[BUT never measured temperatures during the smell & noise]

I don't want to play games one cover open since it may get dusty etc. etc.
So what do you think, what should I do ?
Can a better case with air circulation solve my problem ?

Last edited by Aler; Apr 20, 2016 @ 1:47pm

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Showing 1-14 of 14 comments

SundownKid Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:08pm

If you added the GPU later, it is a possibility that the PC was not designed to support such demanding graphic cards and doesnt have any ventilation. Transplanting it may be necessary.

Aler Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:16pm

Originally posted by SundownKid:
If you added the GPU later, it is a possibility that the PC was not designed to support such demanding graphic cards and doesnt have any ventilation. Transplanting it may be necessary.

Yeah ventilation seems to be poor, when i close the cover there seems only 1 cm space from side to breathe, air may not be able to rise in that circumstances
Bottom of the case was hot also(Where gpu is looking)
Also cables are tight and messy(but they don't touch any part of the pc)

_I_ Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:29pm

specs?

post a cpuz validation link
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
cpuz -> validate button -> submit button
it will open a browser, copy the url (address) and paste it here

burn can also be the mobo vrms

Aler Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:34pm

Originally posted by _I_:
specs?

post a cpuz validation link
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
cpuz -> validate button -> submit button
it will open a browser, copy the url (address) and paste it here

burn can also be the mobo vrms

http://valid.x86.fr/yqmecm

upcoast Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:41pm

1cm from the side panel is fine it's whether you have sufficient cfm intake and exhaust fans going.

Post what case you're using.

Ps, looking at cpuz link I'm guessing if vsync is off the gtx 960 is making a gazillion frames at 720p which heats up both the cpu and gpu, just a guess though nothing concrete.

Last edited by upcoast; Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:45pm

_I_ Apr 20, 2016 @ 2:59pm

thats an older build
could be just dust
try cleaning it with an aircompressor or cans of compressed air

Aler Apr 21, 2016 @ 5:06am

I have no case fans right now
but only 1 fan SLOT for exhaust

dust was cleaned just before the burn smell stuff

Last edited by Aler; Apr 21, 2016 @ 5:06am

Vox Apr 21, 2016 @ 5:15am

Have you checked for any loose connections?

Buck Apr 21, 2016 @ 7:17am

A ~light~ burn odor from new hardware, esp power supplies, is often normal and goes away after a period of time. Just make sure there's no obvious damage and you're probably fine. If there was real heat damage it would likely have occurred very quickly and would be very obvious.

upcoast Apr 21, 2016 @ 7:50am

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200048&cm_re=Rosewill_RFA-_-35-200-048-_-Product

Economical fan ^ moves apparently 74cfm at only 29 dBA.

#10

Mid-Forever Apr 21, 2016 @ 8:42am

Originally posted by Buck:
A ~light~ burn odor from new hardware, esp power supplies, is often normal and goes away after a period of time. Just make sure there's no obvious damage and you're probably fine. If there was real heat damage it would likely have occurred very quickly and would be very obvious.

This is very true (although, any burn odor should never be overlooked, and instead be given at least cursory checking). Happens as the paste, rubber, glue and solder warms for the first few times of heavy use.

Can also occur with a used part that's been out of use for a while, as maybe some left over dust remains (you'll never Ever-ever get it all...especially smaller dust particles, which can work themselves in deeper when trying to get rid of the larger stuff, get stuck in deep and to , for example, fan ball-bearing lube).

I'd not worry too much, as a real burning smell will be immediately noticable from quite some range and not immediately gone after shutdown. Just maybe not leave the PC on and unattended for a few days.

Having said that, as above and so you can't sue me (heh), even the faintest burning smell (same with gas smells) should always garner at least a cursory look-see.

Last edited by Mid-Forever; Apr 21, 2016 @ 8:46am

#11

Aler Apr 21, 2016 @ 9:09am

The smell is strongest near cpu fan and psu fan don't know which
But still smell is VERY little since the cover is open and it has not over-heated yet
And I can't tell which part it is smelling

Last edited by Aler; Apr 21, 2016 @ 9:09am

#12