The computer won't turn on after exposure to water.
The computer won't turn on after exposure to water.
I usually slept in my room with the air conditioner running, and when I opened up I noticed the AC was dripping water over the computer case. It happened briefly, not a lot of water, but it was enough to worry. I unplugged everything, removed the GPU and RAM, and left it in direct sunlight for two days. Now I’m trying to turn it back on, but the motherboard light is on and there’s no fan spinning. No burning smell detected. The situation looks serious—please help me figure out what’s wrong.
Which type performs better, short or long grain? It seems unlikely your PC will power up without being connected. Remove the entire board and check it from the exterior, ensuring there’s no moisture or water in any hidden areas.
Leaving it in the sun isn’t sufficient; humidity may remain trapped around ICs and sockets. The optimal approach is to fully dismantle the device, remove components like the motherboard, GPU, and PSU, and thoroughly clean everything with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol using a soft brush, then allow it to dry for 24–48 hours. If it still won’t power on without fans or POST, there’s a high chance the PSU or motherboard was damaged when exposed to moisture. In such cases, testing with a verified good PSU is advisable. Water damage can be difficult to predict—even minor leaks may corrode connections. Nonetheless, attempting the alcohol cleaning first is wise before concluding the board is destroyed.
The sequence matters! Please state the order you're referring to.
I made a quick fix by spraying the motherboard with alcohol, letting it dry with a towel, and then exposing it to sunlight for two days. After reconnecting everything, the issue remains—just a faint light but no power.