I had a little accident while gaming. I went to grab my water bottle on my desk but accidentally knocked it over. Thankfully, it was closed, so no water spilled, but my PC crashed right after. Now it won't start at all. I've checked everything and it seems like the CPU might be dead since it doesn't heat up, and the CPU light is constantly on. The pins in the socket look fine, and there's no visible damage to the CPU or socket. I'm really confused—could the CPU be dead, or could it be an issue with the socket? I don't have extra parts to test either. For reference, my setup includes an Intel i7 11700 CPU and a Gigabyte Z590 UD motherboard.
2 Answers
Are the fans spinning when you try to start it? Does the system get past BIOS at all? Any error codes like lights or beeps? It sounds like it's not even getting to BIOS and the CPU staying cold is a big red flag.
That cold CPU is not a good sign. It definitely points toward something being wrong with it or the motherboard.
It's tough to diagnose without spare parts, but since you mentioned your rig is a tower, listing out your components helps. The issue could range from an electric short to a dead CPU or motherboard, or even just a dying motherboard battery. Make sure to check if you're using a surge protector next time!
Yeah, it definitely helps to have a surge protector, especially with valuable electronics. Just checking the basics could save you a headache later.
Also, it'd be good to double-check your setup for any loose connections or damage—those things can really be sneaky.
The fans do start up, but I don't even get a BIOS screen. The CPU light has been on since the crash, and the CPU is cold to the touch.