Standard Tower Architecture Analysis
Device Identification & System Architecture
Record hardware specifications for system baseline:
Audio & Peripheral Interface
- Front panel HD Audio header pin damage or static hiss
- Rear I/O 3.5mm jack physical fatigue or port wobble
- USB header overcurrent protection (VBUS short)
Connectivity & Expansion Slots
- GPU “Sag” causing stress on PCIe x16 slot anchor
- M.2 NVMe slot standoff/screw missing or stripped
- PCIe lane bifurcation errors (Card not running at full speed)
Liquid Damage & Environment
Evidence of spill or environmental ingress:
Observation of AIO/Water-cooling leaks or coolant residue:
Physical Chassis & Mechanicals
- Case fan bearing failure / Audible blade rattle
- Dust filter saturation / Intake obstruction
- Power/Reset button mechanical sticking or failure
Power Supply & Voltage Stability
- 12VHPWR connector thermal discoloration or melting
- Coil whine under high GPU load (VRM/PSU vibration)
- Unexpected shutdowns (PSU Over-Current Protection trigger)
Security & BIOS Management
- CMOS Battery (CR2032) voltage low / Settings reset
- TPM 2.0 / Secure Boot configuration conflict
- XMP / DOCP Memory overclocking instability
Thermal & Cooling Performance
- AIO Pump failure / High CPU idle temperatures
- Thermal paste pump-out or dry-out (TIM failure)
- VRM thermal throttling due to poor airflow