Well, looks like I get what I deserve. A few days ago I helped a friend pick out and set up a computer for his home. It was a "no name", value brand, and I joked around a lot on how the computer's going to blow up and catch fire in no time.
Well last night, since my current computer (bought early this year) is giving me troubles, I decided to turn back on the old computer to give it a warm up. No later than five minutes, the loudest popping noise I had ever heard erupted inside the tower case. There was also this half burnt, half peanut butter smell emanating. It took me a couple minutes just to figure out what was going on. Surprisingly the computer went on working, and in fact works better than before (used to freeze a lot, which is why I had to abandon it and buy the new computer). Even more ironically, it's the new computer that's experiencing the old computer's problem, and is freezing up more and more often.
Oh well, just thought I'd explain myself if I suddenly go missing online for a few days (or weeks).
You didn't happen to hear a screeching noise as well? Sounds like the HD might be getting ready to give it up :( . It seems too soon for the other pc you bought earlier this year to be having serious issues already. I don't suppose it might still be under warranty? *Hope for the best*
Also, check your fan cables...I've had a few older fans on some boxes get a little loose and their cabling every once in a while snaps into the blade and kindasorta pops...
Is your chasis feeling overly hot at all? Any other noise coming form the HD...and double-make-please-check your power supply...funny smell, melty smell, really hot...pops and power sources have been known to cause bad stuff.
Power supplies on their last whim often make loud noises (and sparks), but they tend to destroy peripherals plugged into the mobo as well, and not continue working. ;)
I'm fairly certain the problem has more to do with software than hardware, at least when it comes to the mouse freezing every now and then (device conflicts specifically). Only way to confirm this is to wipe the hard drive and reinstall everything. Definitely not looking forward to that.
ps capacitor/resistor.
I was going to dig out that old Artic Silver vs Peasnut butter thermal past group test ;)...
But it may have been dust creating a bridge for static lectrickery to escape through. Giving your poot an internal dusting every so often is a good idea, I fitted a new CD to an old one a few months ago and the dust was literally 1/2 inch thick.