So my old desktop died after a power surge (surge protector didn't do anything >_>). What do you guys suggest I do? Try to see which parts I should salvage, or start building a new desktop?

This is the build that died http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RJbFyc

I tried to use the power supply on my HTPC and it would start the pc (So at least I can use the power supply, that's something).

Anything else you guys think should be ok? I'm guessing the MB is fried, but I can't test the CPU b/c my HTPC is an FM2 build.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Test everything you can in your HTPC. Test the RAM, the SSDs, the HDD, and the GPU. Pretty much everything but the motherboard and CPU. Take the CPU to a Computer repair place. They should have a test bench with an LGA 1155 socket. If you live near a Microcenter, they can test it. Otherwise you'll have to find a local shop. I don't think Geek Squad would still have older parts like that, but I could be wrong.

As long as the RAM, SSDs, HDD, and GPU work, all you really need is a MoBo/CPU since the PSU still works and you already have a case.

think he is on with mobo frying, could rma that too

First off, buy a decent surge protector.

I've got plenty of APC back-UPS that were well worth the investment.

Not necessarily something like this, but as an example. I have a few older/cheaper models.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101419

He could try, but it depends on how old the motherboard is. Gigabyte only has a 3 year warranty on motherboards and I don't think it covers electrical damage.

Yeah, I've had the MOBO for a while and I don't have the receipt anymore. Electrical probably not included.



Hard way to learn a lesson that should have been faily easy to learn :(. Definitely will in the future after I put together the new rig.

Yeah, will definitely bring the CPU to microcenter whenever I go to buy the mobo. If it doesn't work, I can just pick up a new one with their insane CPU deals, didn't really want to have to buy a new cpu this year though =/.

I will definitely try out the rest of the components on the HTPC that I can though, thanks for the advice.

how they going to test that

also you dont need receipt for rma most times, you can just check at manufacturers site,

edit: also alot of people get denied rma when it gets to them becuz they didnt use static shielding bags or another big reason is not using cpu socket protector

This post was edited by yupitsmeh on Mar 17 2015 05:58pm

UPS is even less protection than a power strip protector.

That protector sometimes can give a surge more paths to do computer damage. IOW that power strip protector may have bypassed robust protection in the power supply. It would connect a surge destructively into a motherboard.

Only protector that protects from all types of surge (including the typically destructive one) must be at the service entrance (switchboard) and connected low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meters') to earth ground . Obviously your power strip protector has no earth ground. Just another reason why its manufacturer does not claim such protection.

Don't take my word for it. How many joules did that protector claim to absorb? Hundreds? A thousands? A UPS claims to absorb even less joules. View its specificatin numbers. Others who don't read numbers will recommend even the tiniest protector as 100% protection.

Meanwhile, a proven 'whole house' solution (that costs tens of times less money) is for surges that are even hundreds of thousands of joules. Essential to protect all appliances from surges. A 'whole house' solution is the only solution always found in facilities that cannot have damage.

This post was edited by westom on Mar 18 2015 08:02am

Update:

I ordered an Asrock Pro3 to replace the old board. Checked everything else out and I lost the 2 HDDs on top of the mobos, but everything else works great, which I should be thankful for. Thanks to everyone that helped out .