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Why does my other HP computer keep shorting/burning out it's power supply?

I have a 2nd computer from HP that keeps shorting/burning out the power supply. I had the computer for about 7 months and I went through about 7 power supply units. I have the computer plugged into an expensive surge protector {$50} built for computers, so I don't think it's a surge problem. What else could be going on?

Public Comments

1. probably within the motherboard...or the videocard short...more than likely the motherboard is shorting
2. because its an HP buy a dell dude
3. You rarely get computers that actually burn themselves up unless they have a cheap or underrated power supply in them. It wouldn't be a bad idea to check your wiring, a surge protector doesn't protect from improper wiring. If this is a complete replacement computer, odds are you didn't get two that just killed themselves. I would check your wiring to the plug.
4. Dude, you have a Harry Potter computer? Jealous! Er, is it from another country? Have you called HP and asked about it? It's possible either that you're getting an unusually high voltage from the outlet (which can happen, but the surge protector ought to make it not a problem) or that somethings weird about your power settings. Have you reset your power settings or replaced the battery?
5. You should try using a battery backup. A good battery backup like the APC RS1200 will keep the input voltage to your computer at a steady 120V. It will act as a line conditioner. A surge protector does not protect you from brown outs. A brown out is when the power is low but not completely out. Brown outs are very bad for the circuitry. Personally, I have 3 battery backups. Also, make sure you get a high quality power supply. If your current case is a standard ATX form factor, get yourself an Antec Earthwatts 480 power supply. The wattage of the power supply that you should get depends on the video card, CPU and how many drives that you have. A 480W PS should cover your needs since you have an HP.
6. Two possible causes: 1. Frequent brownouts in your area. Surge protectors ONLY protect from voltage spikes, but it does NOT protect from brown outs. Brownouts is when voltage drops to a dangerous level, surge is when the voltage gets really high to a dangerous level. The best way to protect it is to buy a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). 2. Poor/ low quality power supply. You might be buying poor quality power supplies. I highly suggest you buy famous-branded power supply (they are usually more costly) but its worth it.....