Hardware failure after a spill, how to find the bad component?

[StarvingBum]

So I was drinking and PC gaming, which I have done for a while no problem until now. I knocked my drink over next to my computer, which after a few moments caused the screen to lock up. I was able to move the mouse around but nothing would function. I powered the PC off and it never came back. It will only power on a split second before shutting off. Fans and LED will come on during this split second.
I have removed the power supply and tested it with the paper clip method and it would appear to function normally. I removed the video card, still same issue when booting. I tried moving/removing the RAM, resetting the CMOS and the only thing I can think is maybe my motherboard got fried? My tech level is not too terribly good, I was hoping for some second opinions here. Really hoping it is my motherboard only, as I can just replace that for 60 dollars. Is there any other kinds of tests I can do to pinpoint the exact hardware failure here?

 

[Guest]

Try to place all items in a bucket or some hermetic thing, with rice in the bottom. Wait 24 hours. The humidity should be absorbed by the rice. Afterwards, try the setup again, barebones as possible. Then work your way up.

You haven't mentioned motherboard, CPU, or any other component.

 

[Mikel_4]

Next time you spill something to any electrical component/device...

■ Unplug power,
■ Air dry, dont use hair dryer, living room fan will do,
■ Don't wipe, sometimes wiping makes wet surface amplified static electric.

Ask your technician to check circuity voltage using digital multi meter on PSU, motherboard, graphic cards, and record the reading. You can learn video tutorial on how
- use digital multi meter
- read motherboard voltage check point, PSU connector voltage check point.

You can hope that your motherboard is not toasted and do these:

■ Unplug power cord, remove motherboard battery, push and hold case's power button for 5 sec to wipe fail CMOS data, wait 15 min, push and hold case's power button for 5 sec, wait 15 min. The idea is to completely drain capacitors so that BIOS circuity load the factory setting values
■ Reinstate battery, turn on, if you get POST, enter BIOS, set time and date, save and exit,
■ If you don't get POST, do clear CMOS (pin short jumper or clear CMOS button) while pin at "jump" press and hold power button for 5 sec OR while hold power button press clear CMOS button.
■ If persist, well, it's time for new.

 

[smorizio]

first look at where the spill is and where it went. if it was a cola/mnt dew the sugar going to make a short. if you can see where the spill went may need to by some component cleaner to degreese the soda from part.
on debug see if someone you know has a post it card like a local shop. take the mb in with name on it see with a post it card it posting. if there no video and it wont get to ff on the card see what the error is. if it missing video card code then you might have a good mb if not the mb took a hit. with other parts try a test power supply.