So I have 3 computers. An old dell xps from 2004, a gateway fx from 2008, and a compaq i found in a dumpster.

I've been running these computers with relatively little problems up until now, when 2 of my computers the compaq and the fx seem to have shorted out. In my gateway i had a similar problem about a year ago when my mainboard shorted out (im not exactly sure why); i replaced it with the same model board to avoid buying a new os.

The problem started this morning when i went to turn on my gateway, nothing happened. I figured it wasn't getting power so i checked if it was plugged in, checked the power supply, etc.; I tried starting it again and it worked, asked my if i wanted to run a troubleshooter, which i did, then it said "windows must restart," it turned off but didn't power back on. And since i play most of my games on it i spent most of morning trying to get it to work, i eventually got the power button and fans to come on but im not getting anything on my monitor.

After giving up i moved my compaq to where i usually have my gateway and used it for a little while then turned it off. Later on i tried using it again and had the same problem. Except i haven't fiddled with it.

Im wondering if it could be my outlet or surge protector thats messing with my computers, I've been using my dell to test if the PSU's RAM and graphics cards work out of the two other computers and they do so the only conclusion i can come to is that the mainboards have shorted.

Im also curious if there is anything else i could do to safeguard my computers in the future.

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