Accidentally produced sparks when turning on P3B-F with screwdriver. \ VOGONS

Accidentally produced sparks when turning on P3B-F with screwdriver.

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First post, by clownwolf

Posted on 2025-04-26, 02:42

clownwolf Offline

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Rank: Newbie
Posts: 84
Joined: 2023-06-07, 06:31

I was using a large screwdriver to power on my board. I accidentally shorted more pins than necessary and sparks flew (about a full second).

The board turned on briefly (the P3B-F has a power led indicator) before crashing and turning off by itself. Should do a full burn-in test to see if anything is wrong, or am I overthinking it? I was able to turn it back on and it seems ok... for now.

The attachment Screenshot 2025-04-25 193524.png is no longer available

Reply 1 of 2, by zuldan

Posted on 2025-04-26, 03:18

zuldan Offline

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Posts: 1051
Joined: 2023-10-26, 01:19
Location: Australia

It should be fine if it boots. The PSU probably caught it in time to cause any damage to the motherboard.

I always use a little switch to turn motherboards on. Drives me nuts when I see YouTubers turning on their boards with a screwdriver. It gives their viewers the illusion it’s safe to do so but if you slip or connect the wrong pins you could do some damage.

Reply 2 of 2, by clownwolf

Posted on 2025-04-26, 04:06

clownwolf Offline

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Rank: Newbie
Posts: 84
Joined: 2023-06-07, 06:31

You are probably right about the Power Supply saving the board from my mistake. It is an old reliable Corsair TX850M.

I no longer use budget PSUs ever since my DIY PC XT popped a Thermaltake Smart Power. I never wanted to get jump-scared by PSUs ever again.

I don't think I will stress the board, it worked with 3 different CPUs I tried. Its not the Tualatin-capable version, so its not that valuable. In any case, lesson learned - I will buy or make some click switches.

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