GPU literally burnt itself out.

ztmj96 · August 4, 2015

How this started was that some water leaked into my PC last week. After letting it dry, I tried booting it up. Then I smelled smoke and I saw a flame at the PCB of the GPU. I doubt it can be used anymore.

Now I'm worried of the possibility that the motherboard or power supply could have caused the flame, perhaps due to a short in the electricity. How likely is it?

My computer boots fine without the GPU now, but sometimes it doesn't POST despite fans spinning, or the BIOS is reset. I'm not sure of the root of the problem. What do you suggest I should do now?

Rashy · August 4, 2015

Suggesting if it leaked from the top, you should check with your Mobo or Memory

If the fans are running most likely the psu is fine.

phillrulz · August 4, 2015

I do electronics as a profession, easiest way is to use your nose. Popped capacitors, fried PCBs and silicon chips which have lost the magic smoke don't tend to smell that nice.

PhiberOptik · August 4, 2015

I suggest you let the computer dry for at least 48 hours with no power connected to it. Maybe point a box fan at it during the 48 hours.

ztmj96 · August 7, 2015

Suggesting if it leaked from the top, you should check with your Mobo or Memory

If the fans are running most likely the psu is fine.

I will check out the motherboard. Chances are that the fault lies with the motherboard I think, because now the BIOS resets itself every single time I boot up the computer.

I do electronics as a profession, easiest way is to use your nose. Popped capacitors, fried PCBs and silicon chips which have lost the magic smoke don't tend to smell that nice.

Is it possible that the GPU sparked due to possibly faulty PCI-E connection? I'm worried that the same thing might happen when I eventually plug in my new video card.

I suggest you let the computer dry for at least 48 hours with no power connected to it. Maybe point a box fan at it during the 48 hours.

I let it air for a week, so it should probably be thoroughly dried out now.

phillrulz · August 7, 2015

I will check out the motherboard. Chances are that the fault lies with the motherboard I think, because now the BIOS resets itself every single time I boot up the computer.

Is it possible that the GPU sparked due to possibly faulty PCI-E connection? I'm worried that the same thing might happen when I eventually plug in my new video card.

I let it air for a week, so it should probably be thoroughly dried out now.

The connection only carries 12v and 0v so I wouldn't have thought so I would prevent your PSU evening starting.