Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

[norv]

This mobo I got c. 2007 worked hard for a couple of years in a dusty, salty environment, and then became more and more difficult to boot.
Once I learnt about the great cap swindle, I thought it might be the caps.. but none are showing obvious signs of failure.
Could the corrosion visible near the USB_1394 label and the general dusty, salty appearance of the mobo bring on bad-cap-like symptoms of failure?

[goontron]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

i lived near the south coast and can tell you that it will do that, it also has a habit of blowing inverter base aircons. we will need to see pic of the whole board bottom and top so we can recognise any possibly bad caps.

[momaka]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Could the corrosion visible near the USB_1394 label and the general dusty, salty appearance of the mobo bring on bad-cap-like symptoms of failure?

Not sure, but if the motherboard is very dirty, give it a wash with warm water and any non-clorine-based detergent of your choice (liquid soap or liquid laundry detergents are generally fine). Then let the motherboard dry for a few days and try it again.
Before you wash it, though, make sure to remove the CMOS battery.

[norv]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

I was dabbing the corroded area with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol, and one of the tiny SMD components just came right off the board and attached itself to the cotton bud. The contacts were very corroded, so perhaps this board is too far gone.
Thanks for the tips momaka and goontron, I'll get some pix of the whole board later.

[momaka]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

If it's just a ceramic cap, the board may be okay. I guess pictures will confirm. If the rest of the components aren't too bad, you should wash it - the sooner the better.

[Lobo]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Let me guess...You live near an ocean? I wonder if throwing a couple of small desiccant packs in the tower would help prevent this?

[norv]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Mobo photos with dodgy phone.. and yes, I live near a windy ocean, with a dusty yard

[goontron]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

bloody hell! was this in your carport?

[momaka]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Wow! I've seen corroded computer stuff, but nothing like this.
Yeah that kind of corrosion can definitely make contacts on slots (CPU, RAM, etc.) not connect properly to whatever they are connected to. Could also be rust that has fallen from the ports and partially shorting signal traces. Give it a wash and scrub and see what happens.

[kc8adu]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

mouse pee?

[norv]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Yes, the PC was in the carport, on the floor, working hard, with ocean less than a mile away to the north, east, and south, and mad dogs running round the dusty windy yard all day long.
I was recovering from a serious accident, that's why i was working/living in the carport. And I like to keep the doors and windows open, and I hate air-con.
Hence, corroded, dirty mobo.

[norv]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Here is the PSU from said computer. Oddly enough, it is reluctant to start. Methinks time to discharge caps and give it a bit of a clean.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Here is the PSU from said computer. Oddly enough, it is reluctant to start. Methinks time to discharge caps and give it a bit of a clean.

Looks like the stuff that can literally cause things to go bang!

[shadow]

Re: Corrosion on GA-M61P-S3

Yes, the PC was in the carport, on the floor, working hard, with ocean less than a mile away to the north, east, and south, and mad dogs running round the dusty windy yard all day long.
I was recovering from a serious accident, that's why i was working/living in the carport. And I like to keep the doors and windows open, and I hate air-con.
Hence, corroded, dirty mobo.

As you now probably know. Probably not the best idea to have a PC running and operation outside. You would get all that lint build up. Living near the ocean just seems to make it worse I guess.