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Question

Water damage - motherboard or something else?

Feb 12, 2014 4:36AM PST

Water was spilled on the tower for my computer, and I believe it has ruined the motherboard. The tower turns on and runs, but when I try connecting it to the monitor it says no signal. I am sure it is not the monitor or cables, as I have tried multiple different ones. I took the graphics card out and tried connecting the monitor to the VGA connector behind the motherboard, but I still got no signal. Does this mean it is a high chance that I need a new motherboard? And how can I be sure? I don't want to spend tons of money on a motherboard just to find out its something else, but there doesn't seem to be many other explanations.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Let's say it's something else.
Feb 12, 2014 4:41AM PST

What spares do you have to work with?

For example it could be power. Do you have the usual tech gear to work with? Volt meter? Cardboard, etc?
Bob

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re
Feb 12, 2014 4:47AM PST

I don't really have anything to work with, and I'm not too good with computer hardware. I know it doesn't give you much to work with, but that's why I'm posting here in the first place.

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Then off to the web.
Feb 12, 2014 4:50AM PST

Google "The dead PC" and you find a few million posts about working with a dead PC. Given no spare parts and the industry that never embraced B.I.T. (built in test) (well, Dell did!) the usual is to put it on the bench and follow the usual check out with Volt Meter then use what you know to guess what's the most likely part or parts.

You also don't see many machines over 5 years old because it's not cost effective (local shop counter fee here is about 120 minimum.)
Bob