SATA power cable to HDD caught fire.

I've just reinstalled Windows 7 as my old hard drive died (not surprising since I dropped it onto a wooden floor). But everything was working fine and was adding my extra two hard drives which I use for audio and project storing. (The computer is for audio production not gaming). I connected both the drives and tried to switch the computer on, I heard a pop and nothing happened. I removed and reconnnected the power cable in case that was loose and then tried again. This time I smelt burning and the SATA cable connected to one hard drive started hissing and a flame appeared on it. I turned everything off and ripped it out before any major damage was done, but I've got a few questions: It was a Seagate 1.5tb drive which I only bought from PC world 3 months ago, the seagate website says it is still in warranty. Will a warranty cover this damage? I'm 100% everything was connected correctly, so what is likely to have caused this? Is it likely to be the drive or the PSU, as I don't want to spend £30 replacing the PSU if I don't have to, but equally don't want to risk it happening again. Specs: Seagate Barracuda LP drive (1.5tb) AMD Athlon 630 II X4 2.8GHz 4GB Ram Windows 7 Professional 450W ATX PSU (That came with Galaxy 3 case) Cheers

A couple of the those thin little leads on the hdd must've touched and grounded the hot wire...superclocked

Get another PSU. That one is complete junk you are lucky your entire PC did not catch fire, LOL. A 450w PSU that can only deliver 20a (240w) to the 12v is the first sign of how bad it is. Also almost all PSU's that come with cases are pure junk. I could not find much information about it on the web, but what I did find was not good.

Considering you are not gaming you won't need a beefy PSU, but at least get something that is sound. That PSU might be fine from here out, but I would not risk my components to some junk PSU.

I would look at Antec Earthwatts 380w PSU, way better than that 450w unit. Seasonic also has some good 300-400w units that are easy on the bank.

[QUOTE="superclocked"]A couple of the those thin little leads on the hdd must've touched and grounded the hot wire...JigglyWiggly_