What device should you suspect if you smell something burning coming from the PC?

If you notice a burning smell coming from the PC, the most likely suspect is the power supply. The power supply is a crucial component as it converts electricity from the outlet into usable power for the computer's components. When a power supply malfunctions, it can overheat, which may lead to burning components inside it. This overheating can produce a noticeable burning smell due to electrical components or insulation starting to fail.

Additionally, power supplies sometimes emit smoke or a burnt odor without necessarily failing completely. This can signal an immediate hazard, and it's advisable to shut down the PC and inspect the power supply first before looking at other components. While issues with the hard drive, motherboard, or CPU can also produce smells when they fail, the power supply is more commonly associated with a burning odor due to its role and proximity to the power source. Therefore, smelling something burning leads you to suspect the power supply as the most critical and immediate concern.