Re: whodunnit: motherboard dead

From: w_tom (w_tom1_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 01/09/05 

Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 12:30:29 -0500

  Those voltage measurements may be performed by junior high
school science students. There is nothing complex, difficult,
or expensive in what was posted. In fact, measurements can be
accomplished in just minutes. Far longer to read and learn
what must be done. IOW the knowledge is that powerful and
useful. As another once said, "the only thing you have to
fear is fear itself". Get the meter. A tool as essential to
computer work as a screw driver. So ubiquitous as to be sold
even in Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and Radio Shack.

  In the meantime, a UPS is for data protection. Hardware
protection that works at the appliance is already inside the
appliance - as required by industry standards. Protection
that may be overwhelmed IF destructive transients are not
earthed before entering the building. The UPS costs what -
maybe $100 - and to only protect one appliance? Ineffective
hardware protection as made obvious even in manufacturer's own
numerical specs. The UPS is only for data protection and not
for hardware protection.

  Effective hardware protection costs about $1 per protected
appliance. Installed to protect everything. Superior
protection especially for the computer. With a 'whole house'
protector, then a surge will be earthed before it can
overwhelm internal computer protection. One effective
protector sold in Home Depot is Intermatic IG1240RC. For
hardware protection, spend less money for a protector that
really works - because it makes a short and so essential
connection to earth ground. A UPS for hardware protection is
too often recommended by those who don't even know how
electricity works. Where is the earth ground to that UPS?
Just a concept the UPS manufacturer instead avoids. A
protector is only as effective as its earth ground.

hrdo@myrealbox.com wrote:
> Thanks a lot, Tom, but you are ways above me.
>
> Even if (big if) I manage to do all those
> measurements you insist on, what would be the
> practical consequence? Discard motherboard and PSU
> until you get products with good test values.
> Sorry, I'm not even trying. I bet you don't do it
> yourself.
>
> My PSU was indeed cheap chinese junk. So dirty
> power and junky PSU may give an explanation of
> what happened, some building up of damages over
> time.
>
> I'll get a good PSU for my new motherboard and
> I'll get an UPS, although you seem sceptical in
> this respect. Surely better than nothing?
>
> Regards
>
> john

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