I have an MSI skt370 board, with an Intel P3-1g chip. All was fine for several months, then 1 day..burning smell..and when I power up, the power supply fan and cpu fan goes on for about 3 seconds, then everything shuts off.

So, I get a new power supply... same problem exactly. Then figured it was the MothBoard..replaced it with another Socket370.. exact same problem.

I try another processor (a Celeron 400)...exact same problem.

I try each of the above with only the power connected to the mobo, no ram, no hd connections, only the built in video ...still only momentary power up accompanied by burning smell (i quickly pull the power cord).

Then I removed the CPU...and start it up... this time the fans stay on without a problem, and no burning smell. I put either of the CPU's in..and again, momentary power.

Power supply(s) seem ok, RAM isnt associated with the problem. The problem occurs exactly the same on two different mobos.

I can try a third CPU...but geez...!!!

anyone HELPPPPPP

one time my power supply blew

i got a new mobo, processor, ram etc..
my pc would turn on, and i would get a burning smell.

it was the power cord that was attatched to my old pc when the power supply blew.

try a new power cord.. .the one that came with your new power supply... if you've already done that... then i'm out of ideas... you have all new parts basically

The short circuit is likely from the motherboard mountings. Make sure all mounting point surrounding areas are not touching the case from surface mounted components. This sort of problem normally comes from "bad" design or "cheap" case. OEM cases (like Dell, Compaq) have special mounting point design to facilatate mass assembly (continuous production line), often one must mod the case before using aftermarket boards.