[SilverTalon]

Late to the party, but it seems like something related to the PSU and Gryph's initial post is spot on: find a power supply tester and use that to check. If you can't afford one, then the known-good testing method works, but do understand that if something killed that PSU (versus it just breaking) you could fry the other one too. With my limited electronics knowledge it sounds like a capacitor went, but why that would be could merit some investigation.

Also, the ability to get power off the socket does not mean all is well in power-world. Computers have much higher demands on draw and stability than most simple appliances and what works great for a lamp or blender is not sufficient for a computer. If there's low-voltage coming over the lines or you're on the same circuit as something else that draws a lot of power (space heaters, for instance), you will wear out your gear faster. Testing for low-voltage is a serious PITA tho, since you have to get the computer up and running and have the kit to check it.

In the long-term though, a UPS might be a worthwhile investment. All a power strip does is take the bullet on a big surge, it doesn't do anything to guard against voltage dips and small surges. Most UPSes on the other hand will generally do "power conditioning" and provide a steady 115V out regardless of what's coming into them. They're designed to take the beating on incoming power so that what your computer uses is "cleaner" which I know has resolved some people's power issues with their computers.

Food for thought with Christmas coming up...