I came home from work and found my computer soaked because of a ceiling leak. The PC was powered off, but the power supply switch was still on. I immediately switched it off, unplugged the power cord, moved the computer, and removed the components. The power supply and graphics card were completely drenched, while the other parts surprisingly appear dry. What are the chances that the PSU or GPU will survive? Should I replace the power supply even if it eventually seems to work? My Koorui monitor has also been exposed to water several times this year and somehow still works.
3 Answers
Patience is the safest approach here. Remove all components from the case, drain and gently pat away the water, then leave them in a warm, dry place with good airflow for several days—possibly a full week. Do not use high heat. Water itself may not permanently damage a board, but powering it while moisture remains can cause shorts and corrosion.
The motherboard may have been affected even if it looks dry, since standby power can remain present while the system is plugged in. After everything is completely dry, clean the non-PSU components with high-purity isopropyl alcohol if needed and inspect for corrosion. There is still a chance the system will recover, but test it only after replacing the PSU and checking the parts carefully.
Could a damaged motherboard harm the replacement components when I try to power it on? I do not want to risk the new PSU or GPU.
Replace the power supply. A PSU is not worth testing after being soaked because it can retain dangerous charge and could damage the rest of the system if it fails. Do not open it. The GPU and other components should be dried separately and cleaned if rainwater left any residue behind.
Even if everything looks dry after a day, moisture can remain underneath chips, connectors, and heatsinks. I would wait longer rather than risk powering it too soon.