Graphics card black/green deposits on PCB

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manuleka

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#155963 14-Nov-2014 14:48

I purchased a video card on trademe (GTX 570) and it arrived today. Upon inspecting the card i notice there's black/green deposits on back (refer to linked pictures)...

http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag244/manuleka/IMG20141113192853582_zps228d3b7f.jpg

can someone tell me what this could be?

I have notified the seller and he acknowleges its existence and Quarantees that the card works fine. I asked what he thinks could have caused it and he said he had no idea but he hasn't had any problem with card at all

I have tested it and it seems to run fine. Fans idle at 46% and is a bit louder than my near new Gigabyte GTX 760 which is at 20% idle.

Card is old (dusty) and out of warranty so i think a good cleaning and fresh thermal re-application would help lower fan idle speed but am just unsure what the black deposits are and whether it can be easily cleaned.

I am in the process of deciding whether to return for a refund or keeping it.

thanks for any advice

i3 3220 @ 3.3GHz - 4GB DDR3 - MSI HD 7850 2GB GDDR5 - Gigabyte B75M-D3H - Windows 7 Pro - Kubuntu 12.10

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1175874 14-Nov-2014 14:51

Looks like the SMD component to the left of that black mark has burned out.

Whether it's critical or not, or will cause problems down the track is unclear.

Niel

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#1176057 14-Nov-2014 18:58

The silk screen (white printing) will indicate if there was a component or not, and if it is supposed to be a capacitor ("C" with a number). If there was a capacitor, and if it was a tantalum type (like the large black components) then they do make a mess when they fail. Try to post a close-up photo of the area, take one perpendicular to see where the tracks go and one at an angle so see what the solder joints look like.

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SATTV

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#1176089 14-Nov-2014 19:58

Would need a better resolution picture but looks like there is some moisture damage as there is copper oxide, also looks like something let the magic blue smoke out
I need a better pic to say more.

I know enough to be dangerous

manuleka

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#1176093 14-Nov-2014 20:37

SATTV: Would need a better resolution picture but looks like there is some moisture damage as there is copper oxide, also looks like something let the magic blue smoke out
I need a better pic to say more.

thanks guys, i've added a few more pics but phone cam isn't great :(

http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/manuleka/media/DSC02417_zps2ef01b4e.jpg.html?sort=3&o=5

i'm thinking of returning it... although i have put on PC and tested with COD Advanced Warefore for 30min or so with no issue

i3 3220 @ 3.3GHz - 4GB DDR3 - MSI HD 7850 2GB GDDR5 - Gigabyte B75M-D3H - Windows 7 Pro - Kubuntu 12.10

SATTV

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#1176127 14-Nov-2014 22:11

Looks like distress of some kind plus water damage.
I would return the card for refund / replacement.
The card does not look new either.

I know enough to be dangerous

richms

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#1176151 14-Nov-2014 23:13

Saw similar on a machine I looked at for a friend which had issues with Cockroaches.

Richard rich.ms

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

Niel

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#1176163 15-Nov-2014 04:09

The component is a transistor ("Q1", possibly not fitted) and a few resistors and ceramic capacitors. If moisture or a drop of soda or something similarly nasty dropped on the board then it would/could turn it green due to the voltage difference across the transistor causing ionization.

I can't see any tantalum or electrolytic capacitors there, so it is not electrolyte from one of those popping. Any other type of component would have burned and not cause the green stuff/corrosion. It would have left only a small burn mark and/or smoke mark. So I'd say it is foreign and resulted in corrosion.

I'd return it if it was not stated, but it is likely cleanable if you have trouble with returning it.

You can never have enough Volvos!

manuleka

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#1176215 15-Nov-2014 09:52

thanks Guys, it is a second hand card (so probably a few years old)... i have decided to return it (refund)... appreciate all the responses - big ups

i3 3220 @ 3.3GHz - 4GB DDR3 - MSI HD 7850 2GB GDDR5 - Gigabyte B75M-D3H - Windows 7 Pro - Kubuntu 12.10