Computer was stored for nine months, now it won't start.

[CKaleb]

Greetings, I have a very strange issue with my computer, specs are as follows:

Intel Core i7 3770k.
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Extreme.
32gb of ram.
Corsair h100 cpu heatsink.
x2 GTX 680 in SLI.
1000w xfx power supply
256gb ssd and 2tb harddrive.

I built this computer around November 2012, and only used until September 2013 with zero issues, I was working abroad and then moved back to my country (South America) at that time, I unplugged and packed the computer, and was stored for about nine months until a week ago, the computer traveled inside the case's box which was inside an SUV of a family member which was shipped inside a container (the box did not move inside the vehicle at all, as it was safely secured)

when I unpacked my computer and plugged it (24 hours after receiving it back), I noticed that the motherboard leds do turn on, but the computer itself won't, I tried the steps described in the checklist to no success.

I tried the power supply on an older computer, and it worked, which makes me believe that its not the psu.

Its worth mentioning that a few times, the computer started but didn't POST, all fans started, but no beeps from the internal speaker, this has only happened 2-3 times, the rest of the time the computer won't start at all.

Is there anything else I can try? Is it perhaps a motherboard issue?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

EDIT: If its of any help I just noticed that as soon as I switch the psu on and the motherboard leds light up, a small red light lights up on the upper front of the case (CoolerMaster HAF X, the light is next to an lightning icon) and its always on until I switch the psu off, I don't remember that it did that before,

 

[187Flatliner]

have you replugged everything in?, maybe , just maybe your system did get shocked around...... i would check all your connections again....take them out and replug them all....just in case

 

[CKaleb]

have you replugged everything in?, maybe , just maybe your system did get shocked around...... i would check all your connections again....take them out and replug them all....just in case

I replugged everything, both GPU cards, CPU, CMOS Battery, all power cables, RAM, ssd, hdd, but no dice.

 

[187Flatliner]

you said you tried your psu in another computer right? what type of cpu cooler do you have on it?

 

[CKaleb]

you said you tried your psu in another computer right? what type of cpu cooler do you have on it?

On mine: Cooler Master h100. on the one I tested my psu at (my brother's computer), a Zalman cooler, I don't know the model.

I just realized that as soon as I flip the psu on, this lights up on my case http://imgur.com/uAg4P6H (I don't know why the picture is upside down sorry D and as far as I remember, that should only light up when the computer is on, which isn't happening. I hope this is of any help.

 

[187Flatliner]

EDIT: If its of any help I just noticed that as soon as I switch the psu on and the motherboard leds light up, a small red light lights up on the upper front of the case (CoolerMaster HAF X, the light is next to an lightning icon) and its always on until I switch the psu off, I don't remember that it did that before,

i have the haf x and mine also has a red light on all the time.

 

[187Flatliner]

do you have any more thermal paste..... i would next change and reseat the cpu with new paste......you said it posted a few times but wouldnt go to the main screen which might be a sign of cpu temp overheat........

 

[CKaleb]

EDIT: If its of any help I just noticed that as soon as I switch the psu on and the motherboard leds light up, a small red light lights up on the upper front of the case (CoolerMaster HAF X, the light is next to an lightning icon) and its always on until I switch the psu off, I don't remember that it did that before,

i have the haf x and mine also has a red light on all the time.

Even when the system is off? I thought it could have something to do with mine not turning on at all.

 

[CKaleb]

do you have any more thermal paste..... i would next change and reseat the cpu with new paste......you said it posted a few times but wouldnt go to the main screen which might be a sign of cpu temp overheat........

It never actually posted, all fans light up then nothing else happens, everything was working perfectly months ago though.

 

[187Flatliner]

so i actually had to shut my system down to see if the red light turns off.....mine turns off with my computer......so that means that you may have a grounding problem?

 

[CKaleb]

so i actually had to shut my system down to see if the red light turns off.....mine turns off with my computer......so that means that you may have a grounding problem?

How can I check? My system is connected to a ups (same one as before)

 

[187Flatliner]

i would honestly reseat your cpu and repaste your cooler onto it. I really am not sure why that light is staying on but im looking into it right now through other allys for ya.

 

[187Flatliner]

okay, so i need you to check the panel in the top piece of the case, (where your usb 3.0 plugs are..) check for loose wires and or burn spots..... there was a problem before on these cases. check this thread here...... unfortunately your mobo maybe toast. lets hope not.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/288822-28-case-damage-motherboard

 

[CKaleb]

okay, so i need you to check the panel in the top piece of the case, (where your usb 3.0 plugs are..) check for loose wires and or burn spots..... there was a problem before on these cases. check this thread here...... unfortunately your mobo maybe toast. lets hope not.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/288822-28-case-damage-motherboard

I checked the top panel with the help of a friend and everything was ok.

However I found out that the water cooler for the processor was spilling its fluid, which got into the motherboard...

So I guess that the motherboard is dead now, hopefully everything else is still operational

 

[187Flatliner]

well that sucks...... hopefully your cpu will be fine..... i guess this is a lesson for us all.... dont store an h100i without taking it off.

 

[westom]

However I found out that the water cooler for the processor was spilling its fluid, which got into the motherboard...

So I guess that the motherboard is dead now, hopefully everything else is still operational

In manufacturing electronics, one final step is to put electronic boards into a dishwasher to clean them. Water is not destructive. But must be properly removed so that electronics can work properly. You have no reason to believe water caused hardware damage; only caused a temporary fault that is eliminated when dry.

You are wildly creating suspects and then trying to accuse them. CPU was nowhere in your list of suspects. And with thermal paste and other changes, you may have only made things exponentially more complicated.

Even removing the PSU did not provide useful facts and now may have added new complications.

Before anything can work, the power system must be known good. PSU is only one system part. To move forware, you must eliminate virtually every part as a suspect - starting with the many parts of the power system. That means one minute of labor, a digital meter, and some instructions. Since what you describe, for example, could be the power controller detecting a failure and immediately cutting off power to everything.

You have two choices. Either keep replacing good parts until something works. Also called shotgunning. Or follow the evidence. That starts by exonerating the entire power system or accusing one part of that system. Described are the three items you need to start a 'follow the evidence' strategy.

 

[CKaleb]

well that sucks...... hopefully your cpu will be fine..... i guess this is a lesson for us all.... dont store an h100i without taking it off.

Sorry for the late response, turns out the h100i's liquid did damage my motherboard and CPU (tested cpu in a different computer and won't boot, same with motherboard) had to get replacements for both of them

Thanks for all the advice everyone!