Girlfriend spilled water on my PC, it's dead

regulus · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:53

I opened the side to clean out some dust. She was messing about the table cleaning something and accidentally (well, it's was she says) sprayed some water onto the open motherboard and PSU. :rolleyes:

.Now it doesn't even want to come on. I took the whole thing apart and leaving the individual pieces to dry out and hopefully, by a small grace of God, come on again.

So before I pull out the debit card to get the latest gear, is there ANY chance this could be fixed or is a new PC on the cards? She already said she would give me £600 to pay towards a new one. I'm thinking of leaving it until Nvidia pulls their finger out to see what they offer up.

Legend · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:56

When I read your subject, I thought you meant your girlfriend was dead. Justice.

JonJ678 · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:57

Is there any chance it was turned off when water was spilled on it? It's not great that you tried turning it on before drying it, but there's some hope still. The longer you can leave it drying the better really.

regulus · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:57

Legend said:
When I read your subject, I thought you meant your girlfriend was dead. Justice.

I've been with her for 7 years and not once I've sworn at her, I came close today.

regulus · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:58

JonJ678 said:
Is there any chance it was turned off when water was spilled on it? It's not great that you tried turning it on before drying it, but there's some hope still. The longer you can leave it drying the better really.

It was switched off yes, I only tried turning it on once before taking it apart. I still hold a small amount of hope.

clv101 · 3 Mar 2010 at 11:59

Leave it a long time to dry out, then try it. If it doesn't work it's most likely that only one component (PSU or MB) will be dead.

sorn21 · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:02

Dump her?

As mentioned, leave to dry for a couple days, if it was JUST water it should be ok

DirtyJester · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:02

regulus said:
I've been with her for 7 years and not once I've sworn at her, I came close today.

..same ere I never speak to mine either

psychas · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:04

burn her favorite bag and dress :rolleyes:

.

does your psu and motherboard has warranty left ? if so rma it

Alex53 · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:04

Replace girlfriend. Will be cheaper on the long run

Now seriously, your best bet when that happens is to completely power off asap (hopefully you had already done that when you opened the case) and let it dry completely. Once its completely dry just power on again and fingers crossed it will be fine.

If it was indeed powered off (not just shut down, but no power in motherboard) then you have a good chance. If the motherboard had power, there is every chance something shorted and its dead.

zeam · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:06

if u have a spare rig or components or even a friend see if u can pinch theirs for abit and try each component one at a time might have 1 broken item, could save you and therefore her a tidy sum if u can identify whats busted

Brizzles · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:10

Wrap some kitchen wipe around all the parts , then stick it in the airing cupboard for 24hours.

After 24hours she would have learnt her lesson.

Not sure about the mobo though.

Skillmister · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:13

Good luck hopefully its just 1 component thats died if it doesnt come back on

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:14

regulus said:
She already said she would give me £600 to pay towards a new one.

She may have broke your PC but at least she has offered to pay for a replacement!!

For £600 you would be able to get a faster PC than what you have currently.

regulus · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:15

Thanks, some funny replies here. Yes, it was completely off, but still plugged in. I've got two hairdryers out and trying to get rid of the water soon as. It's dry now but will still leave it somewhere with a light draft and away from her.

mnc fear · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:16

My ex years ago poured Detergent on my TV. the TV guy just cleaned it and left it for a couple of weeks

it worked- longer than the girlfriend who as you note is my ex

regulus · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:16

CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
She may have broke your PC but at least she has offered to pay for a replacement!!

For £600 you would be able to get a faster PC than what you have currently.

I know, but her saying she'll give me money means little as we share most of our money. Somehow I'll end up paying for this anyway.

shroomz · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:23

If it was just water, leave it for several days, should be fine eventually. If it isn't, as previous posters said, try if at all possible to swap stuff out one at a time, you may have only lost one component

Brizzles · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:23

regulus said:
I know, but her saying she'll give me money means little as we share most of our money. Somehow I'll end up paying for this anyway.

' Accidently ' put her entire wardrobe on hot wash - Then tell her she's getting a bit porky.

Won't cost you a penny.

Gamefreak501 · 3 Mar 2010 at 12:23

Hmm, I would try the PSU on other parts, maybe if a friend or relatives wants to donate their PC for this good cause.

I reckon the Motherboard/RAM has failed here, so I would start my taking out the memory first, then video card; seeing if you get anywhere, then after this, try the PSU on other equipment.

I don't think the PSU would have failed - it is a fairly well sealed unit, besides the fan holes.

I hope this helps,

David