The two thinner electrolytic capacitors near the CD audio connector look like they might have been slightly bent by physical force. Hard to tell from that photo, but it's possible that the solder joints on the back side got damaged.

Post high resolution photos of both the front and the back side of the card, and someone might be able to tell you more.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2023-11-03, 06:48:

The two thinner electrolytic capacitors near the CD audio connector look like they might have been slightly bent by physical force. Hard to tell from that photo, but it's possible that the solder joints on the back side got damaged.

Post high resolution photos of both the front and the back side of the card, and someone might be able to tell you more.

Done. Solder joints all look ok just from eyeballing, but I know that's not always reliable. Wonder if there could be a short somewhere?

FinalJenemba wrote on 2023-11-03, 16:28:

Done. Solder joints all look ok just from eyeballing, but I know that's not always reliable. Wonder if there could be a short somewhere?

I can't spot anything suspect on a cursory glance, maybe someone else will have better luck.

BTW, if you haven't done so already, try cleaning the contacts which go into the PCI slot with isopropyl alcohol. And if that doesn't help, go over them a few times with a pencil eraser. Due to improper storage, sometimes a thin layer of corrosion can form on the contacts, which can prevent electrical flow.

FinalJenemba wrote on 2023-11-03, 16:28:

Done. Solder joints all look ok just from eyeballing, but I know that's not always reliable. Wonder if there could be a short somewhere?

If the card causes a short circuit, PSU protection will work. In this case, the propellers on the cooling fans briefly move after the PC is switched on and nothing else. Once the card is pulled, PC functions normally.

If you're using the SBLink cable, try reversing the orientation.