Today, a small splash of water dripped from my desk onto my PC, landing on top of the case above the fans. I quickly wiped it off, thinking it was just on the surface. However, about five minutes later, my screen started flickering, so I powered everything down, unplugged my cables, and turned off the power switch. After that, I opened the case and checked the GPU and internals for any signs of moisture, but I couldn't find anything. I know I might not be able to see all the damage right away and there was no burning smell. Am I in trouble here? I've heard I should let it dry out for a day or so. Any advice on what to do next? I acted fast, but this is new territory for me!
3 Answers
Great job shutting it down quickly! As long as you didn't smell any burning and the water stayed outside of the case, it should be okay. Just make sure everything is completely dry before turning it back on again. A soft cloth can be used to gently wipe the motherboard if needed.
If it was just water, the best course of action is to open up the case and let it dry overnight. While you're waiting, you could clean up some dust, but it sounds like the water splash isn't enough to cause any serious issues. Just to be safe, make sure to check for any damp dust, since that can cause some problems if it mixes with moisture.
I see! I didn't even notice any water droplets. I guess I should clean out the dust just in case, right?
Using isopropyl alcohol to clean can be really helpful! If you're worried about any potential residue, it's a good option. Let your PC dry out completely first, and then you can use a soft cloth or a Q-tip to apply it. It'll help clean any spots, especially if you think there's any moisture lingering.
Thanks! So I should really wait until everything is dry before using the alcohol, right? How does it help exactly?
Thanks! How long do you think I should let it dry? I was worried since the flickering happened after the splash.