How To Fix A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

Have you been experiencing glitches, and blue screens? Not able to remember what went wrong you suddenly remember last week you spilled water on your graphics card just before installing it. Eh, you thought that would be not a big issue.

Then you were wrong! A faulty graphics can be the most annoying thing ever! Often water contact can destroy the fragile components of a graphics card. But is it possible to fix a water damaged graphics card? Of course that is possible and today in this article I will explain all you need to know about how to fix a water damaged graphics card.

How To Fix A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

You have to dry up all the components of the graphics card and make sure to not use it until it completely dries off as it will damage other components.

There are many things that can go wrong with a graphics card, and unfortunately, water damage is one of them. Here I will be giving you a complete step by step guide for fixing a water damaged graphics card.

Step 1: Remove The Graphics Card Immediately

As soon as you get to know you have spilled water over the graphics or it is wet just remove it. No need to plug it in and check it weather it is working or it. There are chances that it might be wet and you will damage the other components as well.

Remove the graphics card and place it on a flat surface. Examine the extent it has been in contact with water and check how much other components have been involved.

Step 2: Dry The Traces Of Water

When you take out the graphics card you will be able to know where are the traces of water. Make sure to dry out these traces using a t-shirt or a soft cloth that is free of lint. If your graphics card has been plugged in when it came in contact with water, check the ports or any other components surrounding it for traces of water.

If there are any traces make sure to clear it out. Beforehand doing this make sure you have powered off your system from the main power system.

Step 3: Use Isopropyl Alcohol Remaining Traces Of Water

Here you can use a cotton pad or any other soft cloth to wipe out the excess traces of water or debris if any from the GPU. You must be thinking why using alcohol and not water? Let me tell you the clear reason here.

The thing is that alcohol is known to evaporate more quickly as compared to any other solvent. It is  a much better alternative to drive your graphics from water and have it work the same as it did before.

If your graphics card has been through a lot of water damage then I suggest you soaking it in a container full of isopropyl solution for about good 2-5 minutes. After that remove it and place it on a flat surface to dry up naturally.

Step 4: Remove Debris

Even though there will be no trace of debris at this point if there are any you can use a blower to blow them out.

Make sure to keep the blower on a medium speed to blow any sort of external particles. Be careful to not damage any of the components as there are microscopic components out there and in case of any damage you might have to get rid of the graphics card ultimately.

Step 4: Ultimate Drying Process

So, we have done all the chemical and wiping out processes now is the time we dry the graphics card much thoroughly. Even though alcohol is known to evaporate and leave no traces behind yet there will be some traces inside the components stuck there that you need to get rid of completely.

No worries this is not a tiresome task and all you have to do is place the graphics card open in air for at least a day. The remaining residue of alcohol will evaporate and water will be gone as well. The next day make sure to inspect the GPU if there is any wet traces left behind or not. As in the next step we will be plugging in the graphics card and if it is not properly dried it might destroy your system and other ports nearby. 

Step 5: Plug In The GPU

If you have confirmed that your GPU is completely dry then plug it in the system. First remove all the plugs from the electricity and only then install the GPU.

Make sure you properly plug in all the connectors properly and the ports are correct. Turn on the system and check if you have been having any symptoms that you got before. I am sure your graphics card will be working the way it used to. 

What If The Water Damaged GPU Is Not Working After A Fix?

If a water damaged graphics card is not working after you repair it then check for the components first. The components must be dried off completely and then try plugging in the graphics card.

If it is still not working then there are chances that you need to get rid of your graphics card. Here either you can take it to an expert technician or you can purchase a new one. 

Fix Or Replace A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

I personally believe at first fixing up a water damaged graphics card and if it is still not working then you can go for a new one. The thing here is that graphics cards are made up of tiny microscopic components and their repair can cost you hefty bucks.

Plus these repaired graphics cards can only last you for an year or less than that. So, it is better to purchase a new one and have your system future proof. Remember it is better to invest in something that can last you long rather than makes you waste money every now and then.

Read: Can Graphics Card Be Repairable?

Can I Use A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

You can use a water damaged graphics card only it is completely dried and the components are free of moisture as well. You should also check that the card’s circuit board is not damaged as well.

If your graphics card was submerged in water for a long time, there may be some components damaged such as capacitor. However, if the graphics card is just slightly damp, there will be no significant damage.

How Long Can A Water Damage Graphics Card Last After Fixing It?

A water damaged graphics card can last for an year or two if you are very fortunate. Beyond that time span your graphics card will start showing weird signs as random glitches, or artefacts. And after this your graphics card will soon stop working altogether.

This is a problem that most people have to deal with and it’s not an easy fix. The first thing you need to do is determine whether your graphics card is still salvageable or not. If it’s not then there is no point in spending money on a new graphics card. 

What Things To Consider Before Fixing A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

Make sure you are very careful before fixing a water damaged graphics card. There are tiny microscopic components involved in a graphics card and if a slight problem occurs you will have to say goodbye to your graphics card.

Also, be fast and not slow in the drying process. The faster you work on the drying of your graphics card greater are the chances that your graphics card will be rescued. However, if you are slow and lazy just as I was once then there are chances you will have to suffer a great damage at microscopic level.

Do I Need To Have Special Skills For Fixing A Water Damaged Graphics Card?

Fixing a water damaged graphics card does not require any special skills. However, you have to be very careful beforehand as to not damaged anything in between the process.

If the damage is somehow at a large scale then you will have to take it to an expert. Apart from this, make sure you have the right kind of tools, screw drivers, and an all-purpose blower.

Conclusion

Hopefully I have provided enough information about how to fix a water damaged graphics card. Without Step by step guide you will be at much ease and will fix your water damaged GPU in matter of few hours. Beforehand make sure you have all the requirements and tools for fixing a water damaged graphics card. As the components of a GPU are very tiny and requires a lot of careful work, after all it is better to be careful than sorry! Good luck!