I accidentally spilled a can of Celsius energy drink into my power supply unit (PSU). After dropping the can, I quickly switched off my PC but didn't hear any zapping sounds, so I'm hopeful I didn't short it out. I plan to wait at least 24 hours before turning it back on to let everything dry out. However, I'm wondering if it's safer just to replace the PSU outright to avoid any potential damage to other components. I'm pretty new to building PCs and have seen other users suggest replacing the PSU in similar situations. By the way, here are my specs if anyone has budget-friendly PSU recommendations:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor
- CPU Cooler: Deepcool LS520 WH 85.85 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
- Motherboard: MSI PRO B650-P WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
- PSU: TOUGHPOWER GF1 SNOW 850W
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX6800 Sapphire
I'm also open to any suggestions for upgrades or replacements for my setup since I'm still learning about building my own PC.
6 Answers
Seriously, don’t open or try to power it on after 24 hours. Just buy a new PSU! Even if it seems dry, the sticky residue from the drink could still be a problem, potentially frying your entire system.
First and foremost, do not even think about opening up the PSU. If you have the urge to clean it with alcohol or anything else, just resist that thought and get a new one instead.
Definitely don’t open the PSU! Even after the drink dries, it can carry a lethal current for a while. Just play it safe and go for a new one.
It’s a harsh lesson, but really, keep drinks away from electronics! While water might be less harmful, energy drinks leave a mess that’s not worth cleaning. Grab a new PSU and double-check for any sticky spots near your motherboard connectors.
I agree, just get a new PSU to avoid the risks. Also, make sure the new one has the same pin layout as your current PSU. Otherwise, you'll need to swap out the cables too, or you could damage your components.
Cleaning that PSU properly is going to be a major challenge, if not impossible for most people. Honestly, it’s best just to replace the PSU completely.

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