M2-ATX Catches Fire is 1st 3 minutes!!!

**gregas** · 07-25-2006, 05:47 PM

Hi All,

I've been enjoying the site and my first carputer build. Unfortunatley, I've had a rough start. My setup:

Via EPIA MII12000
256Mb DDR
120 Gb WD Scorpio
Orinoco Gold PCMICIA WLAN
M2-ATX PS

I was starting to install XP when the M2ATX caught fire! Flames shot out of it. I know it was hooked up correctly since the machine was running. I was running off of a regulated 13.8V bench supply. I measured the output voltage.

I guess I was lucky that my mobo was not ruined, but it did take out my KVM switch and a DVD drive. Bummer. I don't think theses boards get any kind of power on test. You get to test them with your gear. Caveat Utilitor.

I'm trying to return the M2-ATX to Ituner Networks (mini-box.com) with no luck yet. I asked for an RMA number days ago and still don't have one. I got one short email asking about the driving power supply, but no RMA. I'm getting frustrated. I'm pretty dissapointed in the service so far. I'll be happy to report back if that changes.

I'd recommend that if anybody wants to use the M2ATX that you burn it in with a dummy load for a day before you hook it up to your equipment.

For now, the project continues using a standard ATX supply.

Greg

**zootjeff** · 07-25-2006, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by gregas

Hi All,

I was starting to install XP when the M2ATX caught fire! Flames shot out of it. I know it was hooked up correctly since the machine was running. I was running off of a regulated 13.8V bench supply. I measured the output voltage.

Greg

Do you have any pictures? It is the same 8 pin part on the 12 volts that dies?

**ODYSSEY** · 07-25-2006, 06:07 PM

pics?

**gregas** · 07-25-2006, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by zootjeff

Do you have any pictures? It is the same 8 pin part on the 12 volts that dies?

It was Q9, an 8-pin part. Does this part have a history of failure? Here is a picture of it.

Name: M2-ATX-damage.jpg
Views: 1457
Size: 101.7 KB

**2k1Toaster** · 07-25-2006, 06:16 PM

i do like fire!!!!

**sama** · 07-25-2006, 06:23 PM

I suppose you also like to sing "badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger badger"

**2k1Toaster** · 07-25-2006, 06:25 PM

why hell yes I do! Usually whilst on fire...

**rsd212** · 07-26-2006, 11:38 AM

Im ready to become a full-time anti-M2ATX advocate. The failure rate seems to be a little TOO high, and when I looked up datasheets on some of the converters, they were not rated for the amperage specified in the M2-ATX manual. Too bad I was stupid enough to buy the Ampie case, so Im stuck with the M1/2's....

**gregas** · 07-26-2006, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by rsd212

Im ready to become a full-time anti-M2ATX advocate. The failure rate seems to be a little TOO high, and when I looked up datasheets on some of the converters, they were not rated for the amperage specified in the M2-ATX manual. Too bad I was stupid enough to buy the Ampie case, so Im stuck with the M1/2's....

I'm in the same boat. Ampie case. Still no help from Ituner Networks.

**sama** · 07-26-2006, 11:58 AM

hoenstly I've had a great experience with my m2 and ampie. I have 2 m2's in fact, the second powers the rest of the kit.

you guys are just unlucky I guess, or you have bad magneto-static bermuda-influced weather holes in your rooms/cars