Why does my mobo keep getting fried?

[highSPEEDchase]

The other day I moved my sound card to a different PCI slot further from my video card, hoping for better air flow. After plugging everything back in, I turned the comp back on.

I could smell a burning so I unplugged, opened it up and found the PSU to be the root of the smell. I replaced the PSU and the computer would still not start. I replaced the mobo and it started. At that time I didnt have time to finish things up, but it started.

Now, this morning, I moved it to another place, plugged it in and started it. Since the case was still open I could see the mobo and a bright light came from a circuit near the graphics card, along with a burning smell. I unplugged and the circuit is singed.

What could cause this- again? I don't know of any serious causes so I dont know how to go about troubleshooting, any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[Tedster]

is your motherboard on standoffs?

(with insulators of course)

 

[highSPEEDchase]

Im sorry, what are standoffs?

If you mean the spacing screws that keep the mobo off the case, then yes.

I am just looking for basic solutions- like can I plug things in wrong that cause a higher charge to the board? if cables are touching the board will it cuase a higher charge? - basically anything that can cause the mobo to burn like that.

Thanks everyone.