Restoring a GPU

[toastyv]

Hi everyone,

 

I was given a ASUS Strix GTX980 and was told that while it turned on and the fans were spinning, nothing will show up.

 

The GPU shows signs of rusting and dirt; please refer to the attached photos. It's got some brown and some strange white rusting, it might be difficult to see so you might have to zoom in.

 

What's the best way to clean this because I'd like to hear how everyone else has been doing this? I've used some isopropyl and the rust is still there.

[Chikensoops]

28 minutes ago, toastyv said:

Hi everyone,

 

I was given a ASUS Strix GTX980 and was told that while it turned on and the fans were spinning, nothing will show up.

 

The GPU shows signs of rusting and dirt; please refer to the attached photos. It's got some brown and some strange white rusting, it might be difficult to see so you might have to zoom in.

 

What's the best way to clean this because I'd like to hear how everyone else has been doing this? I've used some isopropyl and the rust is still there.

Is the rust only on the heatsink or also on the pcb? Also try using a clean, new, toothbrush to help a bit. As for the dust and gunk, I usually just use a medium paintbrush to sweep it off. I don't know abt the display tho. Try updating drivers while using an igpu. Either way the gpu is probably dead anyways.

[MATIKOOO]

taking rusted part and put it in Vinegar for 1 hour or so

 

[toastyv]

Hi @MATIKOOO and @Chikensoops, thanks so much for your advice.

 

The rust is on the heatsink only, so I'll try vinegar and see if that'll work.

 

Will use a new toothbrush to clean it; will I need to use iso or something else to clean it?

[iSynthMan]

Unrelated but if the rust and corrosion is only on the heat sink and the GPU doesn't display video, it's unlikely you'll be able to fix that without component level repair.

 

Good luck though, keep us updated.

[toastyv]

Hi @iSynthMan, thanks for your comments. From what I can see, the rust is only on the heatsink; the motherboard looks fine.

 

Is it safe to test it out at the state it's in now to determine whether if it's worth cleaning?

[Mick Naughty]

Isnt worth cleaning, not a show piece and wont be a real factor time wise. Its safe and brand new products are in the same condition. Its only a factor for people who look at things that much and worry about it.

[Vishera]

5 hours ago, toastyv said:

Hi @iSynthMan, thanks for your comments. From what I can see, the rust is only on the heatsink; the motherboard looks fine.

 

Is it safe to test it out at the state it's in now to determine whether if it's worth cleaning?

Did you disassemble the card?

 

It's not just rust... Corrosion as well.

Seems to me that the environment it was in had high levels of humidity in the air.

So the card was probably damaged by the humidity.

[toastyv]

Thanks for your thoughts and replies. Tested the GPU and it is indeed not showing anything on screen.

 

Not sure if this at all can be salvaged since the fans are spinning and lights are showing. Again, have never worked with a GPU until now.