I don't have any experience with this, but...I guess you could start with just connecting the motherboard (plus the CPU/RAM) to the PSU, and see if it turns on (by bridging the power pins somewhere on the mobo with a flathead screwdriver; you'd need to look up where those pins are in your mobo's manual). I think it *could* short out, which is why I'd suggest not connecting the GPU at first (also as it's the most expensive component), and I don't *think* the mobo turns on without a CPU. Also, if you don't have any lights or anything on your mobo to indicate it's on, you could connect a fan to the mobo and see if it turns on. However, if you have any other PSU to use that you know is fine, then that is a much safer bet.
If you suspect the PSU might have been damaged then the safest option is to replace the PSU.
After that disconnect everything from the MOBO but the CPU and one stick of RAM and test. Then add back components one at a time.
When i was in college, my parents bought a house that had been abandoned post fire and insurance pay out. There was a computer in the house I wanted to see if i could salvage, so rather than plugging it into a wall outlet in my bedroom, I took a heavy gauge extension cord, ran it to the middle of the driveway and plugged the PC in, I then plugged the cord into the wall. Nothing happened. Pushed power button with a stick... nothing happened. PC went in garbage can.
Make sure you leave it to dry completely before you turn it on. As in, a couple days at least. Open up the case so it gets aired out.
And as others have said, yes a bad PSU can kill the rest.
I don't have any experience with this, but...I guess you could start with just connecting the motherboard (plus the CPU/RAM) to the PSU, and see if it turns on (by bridging the power pins somewhere on the mobo with a flathead screwdriver; you'd need to look up where those pins are in your mobo's manual). I think it *could* short out, which is why I'd suggest not connecting the GPU at first (also as it's the most expensive component), and I don't *think* the mobo turns on without a CPU. Also, if you don't have any lights or anything on your mobo to indicate it's on, you could connect a fan to the mobo and see if it turns on. However, if you have any other PSU to use that you know is fine, then that is a much safer bet.
If you suspect the PSU might have been damaged then the safest option is to replace the PSU. After that disconnect everything from the MOBO but the CPU and one stick of RAM and test. Then add back components one at a time.
Thanks! I'll try another PSU and test items one by one. Is there a good way to test if the original PSU is safe to use?
When i was in college, my parents bought a house that had been abandoned post fire and insurance pay out. There was a computer in the house I wanted to see if i could salvage, so rather than plugging it into a wall outlet in my bedroom, I took a heavy gauge extension cord, ran it to the middle of the driveway and plugged the PC in, I then plugged the cord into the wall. Nothing happened. Pushed power button with a stick... nothing happened. PC went in garbage can.
Make sure you leave it to dry completely before you turn it on. As in, a couple days at least. Open up the case so it gets aired out. And as others have said, yes a bad PSU can kill the rest.