The system fails to power on following the IPA cleaning process.
The system fails to power on following the IPA cleaning process.
The setup became functional suddenly after cleaning the CPU socket, CPU, RAM, and DIMM slots using 91% IPA as recommended. The system no longer boots now. I completed the instructions from the pinned post and the accompanying documentation, except for the 24-pin connector which is broken. After removing all components from the motherboard and PSU (except one RAM stick, CPU, and F-Panel Power Switch), everything worked initially. Once I left it for a while, it came back on. The CPU fan was active; turning it off and using a system fan restored operation. Adding the Adata SSD succeeded, but inserting the old laptop HDD failed—it didn’t power up at all. Removing the HDD also prevented it from starting again. I’m unsure if the issue was with the HDD since it had worked before. The PSU remained powered, and I tried restarting by pressing the power button; I’ll check again later.
Current configuration:
- Manjaro Linux 64bit
- Gigabyte B450m DS3H (Wi-Fi)
- BIOS: Thermaltake Smart 500W Athlon 3000G
- RAM: Latest, 2 channels, 2667MHz
- Memory: G.Skill F4-3200C16D-8GVKB, DDR4 3200MHz, 4GB
- SSD: Adata (successful)
- HDD: Old laptop model (failed)
You left the 91% IPA to dry overnight after cleaning. It usually becomes ready in just a few minutes, but you prefer the extra safety of leaving it all through the night.
I recommend testing the PSU by shorting the 24-pin connector with a paperclip to check if it powers up. Search online for "PSU paperclip method" to confirm the steps. Ensure you short the correct pins, apply clips when the PSU is off and the power cable removed. Try jumpstarting the board using a metal object on the power-on pins instead of the case wiring to exclude a bad case switch. Use high-purity IPA for cleaning.
I used a bent staple (no paperclip, only a thick wire). The fan didn’t start. The lamp briefly worked before going out, suggesting an issue with the PSU. After resetting the power to the board and turning it on, it functioned again. I’m confused about why it sometimes works and other times not. I remember the 24-pin connector making a click when inserted, but I forced it in tightly earlier. It might be a cable or connection problem, not the PSU itself, and I haven’t connected anything else yet.
I'm sorry but it seems you received poor guidance. Avoid submerging items in liquids without proper cleaning tools and don't rely on quick fixes. Single channel problems usually point to socket or mounting issues or motherboard faults. These won't resolve with IPA baths. There could be a short circuit somewhere, so check connections carefully. Don't use generic percentages for electronics—stick to precise methods.