6800GT caught on fire (no joke)

Well I'm stumped. I've recently began assembling my wife's computer and I've come across multiple problems.

1. Computer wouldn't post
2. Removed video card - Now posts, (not sure if it was a video card or lack of power from faulty PSU.)
3. Replaced PSU - no more funny sounds
4. Replaced video card w/ new PSU to rule out power issues - Video card begins shooting flames.

There's a multitude of factors that could cause this I know... I'll try to get a pic uploaded when I get home from work.

The are of the card in question is about 2 inches below the 6pin power connector under a black heatsink that sits verticle directly under the power connection. I noticed within 2 seconds of turning the power on, a small area glowing red, then a second or two later, flames started shooting outward.

Realizing this card was shot, I removed the heatsinks rubber pins and pulled it off. There was quite a bit of "gunk" built up on the circuit. I'm was hopeing that's all it was. I removed the buildup of dirt/dust the best I could and replaced the card. Same result.

I'm working on getting a cheap AGP card - MX440 or something to run diagnostics and determine if it is a PSU issue or just the old card on it's last leg.

I don't recall the brand of the PSU, but I know it's a 730W Modular. priced at $95 or so. +12V rail is 24a and it's SLI/Cross Fire certified.

ANY help is appreciated.

pics!

acid135690 said:

I don't recall the brand of the PSU, but I know it's a 730W Modular. priced at $95 or so. +12V rail is 24a and it's SLI/Cross Fire certified.

Click to expand...

Which one, exactly? If it really does only have one 12V rail and it's only rated at 24A, it's a pile of junk. 288W is a loooooooong way from 730W. Also, the brand and model of the old one would be helpful.

I wouldn't have minded seeing a pic of that myself, but I'm sure you were preoccupied.

Definitely post pictures. I've seen a videocard also shoot flames, too, and it was also gunked up with dust, but also the PSU also spit out smoke, too.