Help with rusted GPU

[Pedro Bosseljon]

Hey guys. My friend had a gaming pc he wasn't using so when I planned my pc build he offered me his old 980ti for me to use until gpu prices are okay again. The problem is he lives 50m from the sea so the gpu is pretty rusted and my pc won't recognize it. I already verified it's the gpu's problem because the pc works fine with my brother's and mine shard PC's 980ti. I use this pc mainly for work and gaming, but I need a gpu because my cpu has no integrated graphics. The main problem I am facing while trying to clean the rust is the backplate screws are severely rusted so I can't get it off. Any ideas on how I can get those screws off? Thank you all!

[Levent]

That looks like whole lot of regret waiting to happen. If it works and doesnt overheat I would leave it as is. If it was your own card, you would be looking at drilling those out with tiny drill bits or carefully turn them with a plier. I am not sure if your issue will be easy to solve though, if card is not recognized by the system, I would first try it on a different one first.

[Master Disaster]

White vinegar will neutralise the surface rust however it will do nothing to free up the threads.

 

The best way to deal with rust stuck screws or bolts is actually not force at all. Gently rock the screwdriver back & forward in the head (making sure you're not removing the head) for a few minutes slowly turning further and further as you feel the screw getting looser. Eventually it will come free from friction alone, just be patient.

[Jurrunio]

When the head is stripped on a normal screw I typically lay a section of rubber band on the hole, then push my screwdriver against it and try twist it out. Not sure how well this will work on rusted screws though.

 

Also I assume there's nothing to lose for this card?

[trag1c]

Left hand drill bit. I used them all the time working on vehicles when a seized bolt breaks off. Go in super straight, once the bit catches the bolt it should pull out. There are other options for screws such as an impact driver (not the power tool but the tool that you hammer that creates a twisting action) but I don't think hammering on a card is a good idea. Also lightly spray some penetrating oil onto the screw. Just dont forgot to really clean it up with isopropyl afterwards.

[Pedro Bosseljon]

Alright i will try out some of these suggestions, thanks! will update onde its done, also i already triead a different gpu and the pc worked fine so its definetly that.