The AIO water cooler stopped working during maintenance and now the computer won't power on.
The AIO water cooler stopped working during maintenance and now the computer won't power on.
PC Part Picker List
The exact mobo is a B550AM Gaming, but couldn't locate it on the site. It was a pre-built unit purchased from Cyberpower PC in 2020. I opened it up to relocate the AIO (Cooler Master 120L) and several fans because the CPU consistently overheated. A pipe detached from the water pump and leaked a significant amount, mostly onto the motherboard, some reaching the bottom under the PSU and a small portion into the GPU. The PCI-e slot also contained a decent number of connections.
I ordered a Thermalright Peerless Assassin and remained optimistic since everything was turned off and unplugged when the leak occurred. I cleaned as much as possible with isopropyl alcohol and allowed it to dry for about 36 hours before receiving the part. During this time, I made some upgrades: 2x16GB 3600hz RAM, two additional case fans, and a chassis fan hub. After installation, I powered it on and waited—nothing happened. No POST or BIOS signs appeared, and the motherboard showed no speaker or LED indicators.
Here’s what I attempted and tested:
- Returned to the original RAM in slots 2 and 4.
- Performed a paper clip test on the PSU; the fan started and seemed functional.
- Tested with just a bare GPU, CPU, one RAM stick in slot 2, one fan connected to the CPU header, and the PSU only connected to the GPU and its 8-pin and 24-pin headers. Verified that the 8-pin wasn’t the PCI-E cable.
- Cleared CMOS by repeatedly shorting the jumper with a screwdriver.
- Attempted jump-starting the power button pins on the motherboard.
- Confirmed the CPU was properly connected.
This situation is new to me, as I’ve only recently begun learning about PC assembly since the leak. I don’t have an easy method to verify the CPU or GPU on another system. I did observe black marks on some CPU pins—possibly coolant residue, though I attempted to remove it. Any further steps or checks you could suggest would be helpful before ordering a new motherboard.
In a situation like this, I’d think about allocating funds to upgrade my base system. It’s easy to waste time trying to fix the problem with parts that might not work or could get damaged. You know what I mean?
If you have a nearby MicroCenter, they’re offering some solid deals on Intel and AMD right now.
I just placed an order for a MSI® PRO B550M-VC Wi-Fi on Amazon using my gift card credit, and I expect to fix any issues once it arrives.