How to stop your PC going up in smoke

Finding out the hard way how combustible PCs are is a painful experience, especially when it's your extremely overclocked -- and extremely expensive -- gaming PC. Gearlog has a slightly bitter how to for avoiding the mistake of one of their unfortunate writers. We'd add our own personal little tip for preventing a PC fire: don't tempt fate and get a PC with a flamin' custom paint job.

[Jeremy K. @ Sep 2nd 2007 8:53PM]

I would've appreciated more details about what they were actually trying to do when this happened. I'm not patient enough to listen to their podcast.

[Andy @ Sep 2nd 2007 8:59PM]

so your saying all pc's from all manufacturers will eventually blow up?

[Neoleeyennek @ Sep 4th 2007 8:50AM]

dfsdfsfsf just to point out the mac is not all that.Hardware failure happens to anything not just pc. i know i have a mac, pc and linux

[LJKelley @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:04PM]

Yep... macs never blow up. Their batteries obviously never overheat or cause the laptops to expand or catch fire...

Apple products are so perfect... nobody has ever had a problem with their ipod.

Just like OS X, there is no chance of your Apple product failing!

[waiownsyou @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:12PM]

Someone show them the link to that MacBook that exploded live on a camera.

[BM @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:19PM]

The G5 leaking coolant epidemic after 18 months service life is a sad joke.

[Neebs @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:10PM]

Look, kids, a viral marketer and/or brainwashed fanboy!

[zervin @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:17PM]

LOK I always find the "my overclocked $3000 system blew up stories"..It's like ok you already spent a fortune buying the most expensive and high-end equipment available, and the first thing you want to do is overclock it. The benefits never outweigh the gains IMHO. OK so you can take the dual-core from 2.1 to 2.8 without burning it up...hmm extra few clocks won't really make that big of a dif because its already 5x faster than the last system you had. But i guess the person who can afford a $5000 system, doesn't care if it burns up because they can afford another one lol...

[JDizzle @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:29PM]

You should take a visit to ocforums.com. It's not like people who buy $2000+ PCs aren't happy with its default clocks, it's just there's a certain nagging to get a little more juice, or a couple hundred more 3Dmarks or w/e. (and it's not like they can afford another $3000 PC just like that either).

[ethana2 @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:08AM]

The problem is the architecture. When you do everything in serial except for graphics, you're wasting silicon.

Give me a 128 core RISC co processor with one primary CISC core running at the same clock, and I'll be content. Putting all that parallel floating point power in your machine and only being able to use it for graphics is a very aggravating situation. If you can't ray trace, do physics, fold@home, calculate weather patterns, power 3d screensaver math, and all that with ease in this day and age, then your hardware is too limited by design.

[me @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:47PM]

You're all idiots. The guy was probably using a free after rebate power supply.

Some of you claim Macs don't blow up. I guess you'll also say that Macs don't use power supplies, either.

The chance of a power supply bursting into flames is very slim, but it's possible.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:29PM]

I can afford a mac, we tossed one over to cpu used 2 weeks ago becuase the motherboard fried itself. honestly, cut it out, you're not funny, or amusing. grown ups can afford things just fine kid, we don't depend on our alloance from mommy to buy things. we have jobs.

[LEXX911 @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:53PM]

It's not that we can't afford it. It's more like we are smart enough not to buy a Mac because we can put together a better system than a Mac for a cheaper price.

Maybe your mom shouldn't have spend all that money on your Mac when instead she should've spend that money to put you through college because seems like you really need it.

[m16 @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:52PM]

weak article. I suppose selling common sense to the masses is a new market now. :/

[BC @ Sep 2nd 2007 9:57PM]

dfs=asshole:

http://accelerateyourmac.com/systems/G5_coolant_leaks.html#updates

[HaX80r @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:33PM]

I always though that any liquid system in an electronics system was a little odd, and slightly klugy. Of course, you can go only so far with air cooling, like the original VW bus. At least processors aren't as inefficient as NMOS.

Oh, and "dfsdfsfsf": Happy 9th birthday. I hope your IQ catches up by the time you enter junior high.

[getz76 @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:26PM]

Come on now, kids... Windows/Linux/Mac based machines are all using the same components. Do you really think there is anything special about the "Made in China" parts that Apple is stuffing into their machines behind the glossy exterior?

Overclocking has risks. As JDizzle said, for some it is more of a hobby than a "need for speed." It can be fun, but I've opted for quiet, cool, and slightly more expensive components nowadays rather than pushing my systems. To each his own, as long as they can bear the consequence (i.e., Magic Smoke).

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:31PM]

apparently... and I'm just gonna guess from the pattern emergin here... but "you can't afford a mac".

it's not funny. and neither is the doom crap either.

[getz76 @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:28PM]

By the way, no knock on Apple at all for using stock components and going with an Intel processor. Smart if you ask me. Unless they leak coolant and blow up. :)

[hackman @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:33PM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qdTvJ9inew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9GtMJAp_FA


FUCK YOU dfsdfsfsf FUCK YOU

Hackman
http://www.mac-sucks.com/

ps fuckyou

[hackman @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:34PM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aclgdTlCyXs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx1KbB_FTNg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No4GzXzNIY8

[Tweak13 @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:43PM]

Thought something like this could help in this situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6FuwHkhRFE

My college mechatronics project.

[Milhouse @ Sep 4th 2007 6:05PM]

Looks like it's possible that an internal USB cable was plugged into a firewire header. They have the same pin layout and I've seen the result. I used to work in a PC repair shop and a guy brought in system that this happened to. It was a mess, much worse than this. Sad thing is he was a high level IT guy for a major company and he's the one who put it together.

[Javi0084 @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:49PM]

Mac is probably better than Windows but none of that matters because Ubuntu owns both of them.

[ethana2 @ Sep 3rd 2007 6:20AM]

RIGHT. ON.

I switched recently, and so far I've taken... let's see...

My dad
2 friends
My sister
My mom
3 people I don't know...
Soon my grandma as well...

8 people with me. And counting. Soon this may include two mac users.

[Juaquin @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:49PM]

So who's got the ban stick around here? I know a certain retard that could use a good whack upside the head.

[dj-kenpo @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:54PM]

there should be an auto ban if you have enough "lowest rank"'s

[HaX80r @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:57PM]

I agree. I think he set a new record.

[jere @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:15AM]

I honestly believe he is trying to post the most idiotic fanboy crap comments, like self-aware. It's the only hope he has!

[ethana2 @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:14AM]

*WHACK* *WHACK WHACK*
"..Heh, you still can't afford a MAC..."
**¡¡BAM!!** *ca-chink* *BAM ca-BAM ca-BAM click click click*

[Neebs @ Sep 3rd 2007 10:30AM]

I would be banned if there was a ban for having a lot of Lowest Ranks, actually. I usually make Mac jokes or Mac slogan jokes, or call Engadget comments Mac fanboy jokes, and I always get downvoted.

[moe @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:17PM]

macs are not expansive in that they are loaded with high components. they are expensive for the same reason any retail purchased system is expensive...markup. everybody knows a hand built system is the best value for your money all parts are bought at the cost of the component. as to the above story, it boils down to overclocking without the right amount cooling and sub standard parts. the reason there are macs and other apple products melting down is due to apple buying the lowest bidders products. the greatest thing bill gates ever did was not to release a Microsoft computer that would be the only system labeled as pc. that is apples failing and that is why bill gates bailed apple out.

[HaX80r @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:05AM]

Do you think you could have added any more line feeds?

And Macs are overpriced, but people still buy them. What does that tell everyone?

[hackman @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:23PM]

WOW your stupid i didn't say which was the better computer i was just proving that mac isn't perfect i'm typing this on linux BITCH
i think your the fanboi trolling 24/7 NO JOB NO SCHOOL NO LIFE

you need help because your a narcissist

[Mitch @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:25PM]

SEE http://www.appledefects.com/ for all the problems that macs have.

I should know as I have had them since the mac plus (probably before you where born) through the latest MBP and they have issues just like any other computer. The mac plus would run so hot that the power supply would melt the solder holding it on the power sub board causing you to have to re-solder it.
So, why you make these absurd comments is really beyond belief.
People like PC's because they can mod them and have fun with the hardware, where as the Macs are are very difficult to mod. The MBP has the CPU soldered to the mother board, so you can't even upgrade the CPU let alone overclock it.

[LEXX911 @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:37PM]

@ dfsdfsfsf

Mac doesn't draw pretty graphic art. People does.

[Decius @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:44PM]

Why do you all insist of responding to this troll? I don't understand it. No matter what the article is, he comes in to start a Mac flame war. Jesus Christ people.

-Decius

[MARSHAK @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:57PM]

motion that dfsdfsfsf is under the age of 17.

All in favour say "I"....

[cmonkey @ Sep 2nd 2007 11:59PM]

For the love of god and all that is holy, stop feeding the troll(s)!

On topic, while I didn't listen to their podcast to learn what actually happened, generally, you're not going to be able to visually identify a defective component that could explode. Your best bet, as they suggest in the article, is to keep a small fire extinguisher in a place you can get to quickly.

[jere @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:10AM]

dfsdfsfsf is probably a microsoft fanboy trying to rally people in their defense. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. If he isn't, then he's just a complete idiot (and I type this on a macbook)!

[Michal G @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:22AM]

Wow, lets start with DSF.
It's not really funny anymore.

You know what, go make your pretty arts in Final Cut Pro (the only good mac app) and I'll go play Crysis in November and right now I'll just play Bioshock and a few DX10 demos.. Maybe some lost planet.. Join me? OH SHIZ. You can't.

----------

Now, OC'er don't generally buy 3-4K PC's. That is taking the whole point of overclocking out.

To buy low-end stuff (usually) or something like a e6600 over an e6700 and you OC that to match the high end counterpart and then exceed it while paying less money.

I didn't listen to the pod cast but the few things us smart overclockers know:

1) Never skimp on the PSU
2) Have the best cooling, always.
3) If you use Phase / WC always test it and make sure it's working.

[DarkAardvark @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:23AM]

just because it's a mac doesnt mean you can't fuck it up. feel the wrath of my double negative, bitches.
lol @ the number of games for mac. gaming mac, never heard of it.

[Michal G @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:24AM]

Oh and En, half the people that come here use OEM piece's of crap. Stop posting these type of articles. It rallies the brain dead fanboys. I am surprised no one said "Should have bought a Dell"

[BMan @ Sep 3rd 2007 12:40AM]

Oh this article was lame.

1)Check to ensure nothing was damaged in shipping. DUH! you should do that with everything you get shipped, lord.

2) Choose a case with a window, that way you can see if its on fire. Oh for the love...

3) Buy a fire extinguisher. No brainer.

Engadget, you call this "How to stop your PC going up in smoke," err..nothing there tells me how to not do this! How about, ensure proper air flow, or for water coolin, proper water levels (or whatever). Dont overclock on OEM fans, etc etc. Lord.

And to the gear log people: At least tell us what happened when it caught fire (such as installing Vista, or doing something stupid, etc)

Overall, this is a crappy excuse for "news" / "how to"

[Constable Odo @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:13AM]

You gotta be kidding. Haven't you been following the tales of the water-cooled G5. They all seem to be going up in bright lights and flashes when the cooling liquid hits the processor boards and power supplies. It's becoming a commonplace ailment of Desktop PowerMac G5s.

I had an overclocked G3 Mac B&W and I fried (it was smoking) the Powerlogic chip on that thing. I severely toasted that Powerlogic chip even with a higher capacity heatsink and Arctic Silver paste.

[andres @ Sep 3rd 2007 1:23AM]

but will it still play doom?

[silentnight @ Sep 4th 2007 9:55AM]

hackman @ Sep 2nd 2007 10:33PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qdTvJ9inew
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9GtMJAp_FA


FUCK YOU dfsdfsfsf FUCK YOU

Hackman
http://www.mac-sucks.com/

ps fuckyou

Well first of the information that you have on that website is so out of date (you have based it on a mac G4 cpu. Wake up, mac's now have intel core 2 duo cpu's), it's a joke. I have two pc's (one has a P4 2.66ghz cpu and the other a P4 2.4ghz cpu) and a macbook (intel core duo 2ghz) at home and the mac wins hands down. I have vista, XP Pro and of course 10.4.10. Vista looks nice and runs pretty fast but there is too many problems with it, give it a year or two then it will be better. I find that watching movies or coping my DVD collection I recommend doing it on a mac. I have tried it on XP and vista but the mac beats them again. Well I could go on and on but I won't, you either like macs or you don't, some people don't like PC's but it's their choice.
I am pretty open minded and give everything a go and that includes Linux but I just keep coming back to mac.
If you are going to put a company down, try and get the facts right and get the up to date facts.
G4 cpu is so yesterday.

[Nex @ Sep 3rd 2007 5:10AM]

hmm dsf hasnt posted in a while.. must be past his bed time

[ethana2 @ Sep 3rd 2007 6:31AM]

Poor guy. Can't afford a THERAPY SESSION.

If that's really one of those Mac fanatics people talk about, we penguins don't look half bad ;)

Honestly, though. I'm still not sure what that was. If you're trying to convince people your platform is better, you wouldn't do that. Was he one of those people just out for attention? Was he mocking other Mac fans? Was he just trying to piss everyone off?

So far, all I can surmise is that he uses the qwerty keyboard layout. You'd think someone so obsessed elegance would be using, you know, dvorak or colemak or something.

[eddy_88_nite @ Sep 3rd 2007 11:07AM]

Macs are for software nerds. PCs are for hardware and gaming nerds. End of discussion.