MacBook Pro M3 liquid damage case study

This MacBook Pro M3 liquid damage case study documents how Payam Data Recovery engineers recovered personal data from a 2023 MacBook Pro that would not power on after liquid exposure. The device contained around 500 GB of personal files, including baby photos, with no backup available. After another repair provider was unable to restore the MacBook, the device was brought to Payam Data Recovery for specialist assessment.

MacBook Pro M3 liquid damage case study overview

Apple Silicon MacBooks use highly integrated logic boards with complex power management systems. Liquid exposure can cause corrosion beneath components, resulting in unstable voltage rails and complete startup failure.

Initial diagnostics showed that a critical 5-volt power rail was outputting only 0.1 volts. This indicated a significant fault within the power management circuit rather than a simple surface-level issue.

Technical recovery process

The recovery work was carried out in a specialist electronics repair lab using component-level diagnostics and precision microsoldering.

• Power fault tracing: Engineers analysed the logic board and traced the voltage loss through the power management circuit.
• Inductor replacement: Damaged inductors were replaced, restoring partial voltage output.
• PMIC replacement: The primary Power Management IC was identified as faulty and replaced with a compatible component.
• Corrosion removal: Residual corrosion was removed to prevent further electrical issues during data access.

Recovery outcome

After the PMIC replacement and full board cleaning, the MacBook powered on normally. The onboard SSD became accessible, allowing all data to be copied to an external storage device.

This MacBook Pro M3 liquid damage case study resulted in a complete recovery of approximately 500 GB of personal data.

For general background on how liquid affects electronic devices, see the
water damage overview.

MacBook data recovery service workflow

MacBook and laptop recoveries follow a structured assessment and approval process:

• Free assessment and quote
• Quote provided within 1 to 2 business days
• Recovery work begins only after approval
• Pricing based on model and technical complexity

Frequently asked questions

Can data be recovered from a dead Apple Silicon MacBook?

In some cases, yes. This MacBook Pro M3 liquid damage case study shows that restoring power through component-level repair can allow access to stored data.

Is there a charge if recovery is not possible?

For MacBook recoveries, we provide a free assessment. If recovery is not approved or cannot be completed, no recovery fee applies.

Related MacBook data recovery case studies

• MacBook liquid damage data recovery case study
• Dead MacBook Pro data recovery case study Australia
• MacBook data recovery Australia dead logic board

About Payam Data Recovery

Payam Data Recovery works with individuals, students, families, small and medium businesses, IT companies, and organisations that need their data recovered safely and professionally. Some customers come to us with a single damaged device containing personal memories, while others rely on us for complex technical recoveries that require specialist tools and experience.

We are based in Australia and have been recovering data since 1998. Our clients also include governments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, and public figures. Every job is handled with 100 percent confidentiality and privacy.

We have labs in Sydney CBD, Rhodes NSW, Melbourne CBD, and Brisbane CBD, with secure drop-off points in Adelaide CBD and Perth CBD. International customers are welcome, with regular clients in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

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Read more about our MacBook Data Recovery Service

Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800

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