PC fails to power on reliably; unusual noises during startup on the mainboard.
PC fails to power on reliably; unusual noises during startup on the mainboard.
It could be a dormant issue. I've noticed unusual fluid-like patches in certain electronics after ants entered them. It resembles a leaking battery and has severely damaged the components.
I truly wonder if seeking assistance is appropriate here. The image quality isn’t clear enough to provide a definitive response.
It raises concerns about your wall power setup. Do you have a surge protector or a UPS connected to your PC? What’s causing the issue? The image looks clear, but it’s not part of the actual problem.
I would thoroughly detach the cooling block by pinching the clips on the mainboard; the pins will lift out and the cooler might be stuck afterward, so handle it gently. Inspect the area for any residue that spreads easily. Once cleaned, reinstall using new thermal paste or pads as originally specified. There should be no oily or acidic substances left behind. Leaky non-brand fans are a possibility.
Sure, I can capture a few more shots of that area or anything that seems unusual. (You mentioned removing the battery for testing—just confirming if you'd like additional images.)