Is it possible to waterproof computer hardware?

Question

I was wondering if it is possible to waterproof computer hardware, for example memory, without ruining it and if so, how?

Just for fun, I want to try and build a computer submerged in water...i've seen it done with mineral oil here:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/565060/mineral_oil_submerged_computer/

Answer 1

It's a process called hardening. Basically the whole computer goes inside of a waterproof case and things like the keyboard/mouse use special water proof connectors. It's very expensive to do.

Military equipment has "conformal" coated components. Basically what they do is dip the entire circuit board in a material similar to clear nail polish. If you do this you need components that are to military spec, meaning they will operate at higher temperatures. Computers generate A LOT of heat, they are cooled by convection (fan). When conformal coated, convection cooling isn't a effective, hence you need parts that can withstand high temps without burning out.

If you conformal coated an off the shelf computer motherboard it would probably burn itself up in a matter of hours.

Answer 2

Well, there are some technical issues with what you are asking.

First, 100% pure water does not conduct electricity. So in theory, you could submerse your computer in pure water and have no issues. But the water would not remain pure for long, and therein lies the issue.

You could coat all devices and connections with a waterproof coating, but there has yet to be found a coating that is cost-effective, doesn't conduct electricity and still conducts heat efficiently enough to make submersing the computer in water feasible.

There are water cooling devices used for the high-heat producing components of a computer such as the CPU, GPU, north and southbridges and hard drives. But those are fully enclosed and water does not make contact with the actual components.

Some people have found that submersing their computer in Oil works well, but again there is issues with the Oil purity.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/01/09/strip_out_the_fans/

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Answer 3

If the reset worked then don't send it in for cosmetic. Go to device manager and check the list of hardware to see if any has a yellow mark on them. The yellow mark means that the device is defective or not working properly. It's often just a matter of updating the driver to fix it or getting to work again. If no yellow marks are found then knock on wood it should be fine The fact that windows configured something is a good sign that it fixed a problem. resetting is also a good sign that it was resetting probably some registry files or something. I would backup your school files and document just in case it decides to pull a fast one on you and not start up again. Computers are unpredictable Invest in a 8, 16, 32 gig flash drive if your DVD drive is damaged to backup some important school stuff. Hope this helps

Answer 4

Well, technically the hardware is waterproof. As long as it is not in use, you will not damage it by putting it in water. It is the fact of the electricity running through it is what causes the damage if it gets wet, not the water itself.

So if you want to waterproof your hardware, just unplug it from the electricity.

Answer 5

Why not use a waterproof enclosure like those offered on this site:

http://www.industrial-computer-enclosure.co.uk/waterproof_enclosure/waterproof_enclosure.htm

Google search terms: waterproof computer case

Answer 6

Yes, there are industrial computers that are waterproof. They are commonly used in food processing, and pharmaceutical corporations.

However, if you are asking if you can waterproof your own PC, it will probably not be econmical for you.

Answer 7

A good Advise :

Never Think of going there.

Answer 8

No, that's definitely not possible. Why would you want to do that anyways