Theres water all around us, and it can get to your CPU through condensation.

But, not all hope is lost.

What Happens When the CPU Gets Wet?

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Getting water on the CPU is one of the worst things that can happen to your PC.

Even a small amount can damage the processor along with the motherboard, hard drives, and optical drives.

Water + Electricity = Destroyed processor.

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In most cases, water by itself is harmless.

It doesnt kill your CPU; shorted-out power is the one responsible.

Water only kills electronics if the current is going through it.

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Detecting water destruction is the first step in mitigating the problem and avoiding further damage to the processor.

Check for any visible signs of water or moisture, such aswater spots,condensation, ordiscoloration.

Check for any signs of corrosion on the component surface, such asrust,green discoloration, orpowdery substances.

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To diagnose water damage to the CPU, it is necessary to test the component itself.

you’re able to also use a multimeter to test for continuity.

Use afanor adehumidifierto help speed up the process.

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Detecting water damage to a CPU can help prevent serious problems, such as component failure and permanent damage.

What to Do When the CPU Gets Wet?

If you spill water on the processor, quickly take it out from the motherboard.

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Wipe the water off with a clean paper towel dipped into isopropyl alcohol.

Add heat & airflow to dry the CPU.

Heres what to do when the CPU gets wet:

1.

However, spilling water on a CPU thats connected to the motherboard and running, can be disastrous.

In that case, you oughta switch off the computer ASAP!

Then take out the CPU & other components from the PC case and dry them off.

Dry the Processor Completely

Drying the CPU thoroughly is essential to protect it from any kind of water damage.

you should probably keep the processor as clean and as dry as possible before powering it back on.

Use a microfiber cloth and carefullywipe the CPU with rubbing alcohol.

Then simply follow the basic principles of evaporating water.

Add heat or airflow, or preferably both, to the CPU.

However, you’re free to stillfix the bent pins.

I also wouldnt recommend burying the CPU in moisture-absorbing materials like rice or silica gel.

Because these materials arent actually that absorbent.

Then evaporates very quickly at room temperature.

Lightly dip a piece of clean paper towel in isopropyl alcohol andstart cleaning the CPU.

Make it nice & shiny.

To clean the CPU pins, use a toothbrush with soft and plain bristles.

Dip the toothbrush in isopropyl alcohol for about a minute.

Then brush between the pins carefully.

Dont put too much pressure, otherwise, you’re free to damage them.

To clean theLGA CPU sockets, use a small paper towel or coffee filter paper dipped in rubbing alcohol.

After thoroughly cleaning the processor, dont connect it to the motherboard right away.

Wait at least 24 hours before you do that to let all the water and alcohol evaporate.

Turn on the computer and find out if the processor is working.

FAQs

How do I know if my CPU is water damaged?

How do I dry out my CPU?

To dry out your CPU, take it out from the motherboard.

Wipe the water off with a clean paper towel dipped into isopropyl alcohol.

Add heat & airflow to dry the processor completely.

Can a drop of water damage a PC?

As long as the PC is turned off, a drop of water cannot damage it.

You simply need to get rid of any moisture and the PC will be fine.

But in case the computer is running, water can short-circuit the components and cause damage.

What to do if water goes into the CPU?

If water goes into the CPU, quickly disconnect it from the motherboard.

Wipe the water off with a clean paper towel dipped into isopropyl alcohol.

Add heat & airflow to dry the processor.

Final Thoughts

Getting a CPU wet can cause serious damage and should be avoided.

Water can cause short circuits and corrosion, which can lead to permanent malfunction of the CPU.