SPARKS FROM MY PSU!!! Crap

[aagiants]

Well i recently upgraded my computer. The Mobo had a 24 pin power connector. Like an idiot i only plugged in 20. It worked fine for 2 months. I had stability problems and then i realized i had a 20+4 power connector. Thinking this could be the issue i plug it in, and SPARKS fly from my PSU!!
What the heck did i do?

Biostar a880+ Mobo
Old 630W PSU from 2006

[YARDofSTUF]

So I am assuming it doesn't work now?

Seems like it didn't like being plugged in while it had power going to it.

[aagiants]

now when i buy a new psu, do i use the 24 pins or 20?

[YARDofSTUF]

I would say so, read your manual, and plug it in with the PSU turned off

You want to make sure the connection is grounded before power goes through it.

[Sava700]

if the motherboard has 24 then use all 24, if it has 20 most PSU's now have the option to tear away the other 4 inserts to just hang to the side.

But for the love of god unplug the computer/PSU first lol I'll be surprised you didn't fry the motherboard or screw something else up..if you didn't consider yourself lucky.

[aagiants]

... i knew i forgot a step in there. The mystery is solved, i must unplug the PSU before plugging my motherboard in.

Wow i feel dumb. Lets hope my motherboard still work. Its still under warranty and i know my AMEX will cover it at least. phew

[aagiants]

BTW thanks for the help haha

[morbidpete]

the 4 pin connector, was that maybe the intel 12v 4 pin connecter they use since you have an amd board? just an idea

[aagiants]

Phew... All is welll. A brand new PSU and everything is running well System is stable now too!!!

[YARDofSTUF]

Awesome, good to hear you didnt do any major damage.