Title: Emergency PC Damage Control: When Pets and Inverted Mesh Cases Don’t Mix
In the world of custom PC builds and high-performance hardware, unforeseen accidents can happen—especially when pets are involved. Recently, I encountered a distressing incident involving my computer setup, which underscores the importance of understanding how to handle liquid or moisture damage, particularly in cases with unconventional airflow layouts.
The Incident: When Felines Meet Tech
My cat, usually well-behaved and using the litter box, was recently introduced to a new feline companion. I suspect this change triggered some territory-marking behaviors. One unfortunate consequence was my cat urinating directly onto my inverted mesh case, specifically atop the structural components.
The case’s design, with its inverted layout and mesh panels, unfortunately provided easy access for my curious pet. The urination resulted in water seeping down, notably reaching the motherboard and GPU. In particular, the water traveled from the GPU to the motherboard’s PCIe slots, causing immediate hardware failure.
Hardware Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The damage was swift: my GPU ceased to function instantly, and the system powered down unexpectedly. As this was a recent build—featuring my custom setup with a high-end ROG 3080 Ti and ROG Strix X670E-I motherboard—I was especially frustrated. Given the components’ proximity and the case’s layout, the water exposure was extensive.
Assessing Damage and Salvage Options
My primary concern now is whether the affected components can be salvaged. Common advice for water damage includes rinsing with isopropyl alcohol, ideally at a concentration of 99%, to displace residual moisture and prevent corrosion. However, the critical question is: Is this a viable solution for GPU and motherboard recovery in such scenarios?
Key Considerations:
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Component Extent of Exposure: Water reaching the PCIe slots and other vital circuitry increases the risk of corrosion and short circuits.
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Component Age and Cost: Since the hardware was built less than a year ago, attempting repairs may be more justifiable.
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Cleaning Procedures: Using high-purity (99%) isopropyl alcohol to carefully clean and dry affected parts can sometimes restore functionality. Nonetheless, thorough drying and possibly professional inspection are recommended.
Lessons Learned: Why Pet-Friendly PC Cases Matter
This incident highlights a broader point: case design and pet behavior don’t always align. Mesh cases with inverted layouts offer excellent airflow but can inadvertently expose sensitive hardware to accidental
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