Salt on GPU

[pha]

So, I got an used GPU from a friend of mine and it works just fine, normal temps and its overall pretty clean, except for the heatsink that has salt formations in it. This particular friend of mine lived next to a beach, therefore exposing the components to a lot of humidity and salt. I live nowhere near a beach and will prevent it from happening again, but the salt on the heatsink looks horrible.

Is it safe to clean it with normal water? How would I dry it out after? Is there any other method for me to clean it off?

Thanks in advance;

[Space646]

I have never experienced such a situation, but I think IF people use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning thermal paste of a CPU, then it can't be conductive.

 

I'd give the isopropyl alcohol a try, It works on CPUs, so why not on a GPU?

 

 

I don't know if this is the right answer, wait for others replies, as I'm just an idiot 

[Stahlmann]

Take the heatsink off the GPU, then clean the heatsink under hot water. You can also use soap or a toothbrush to clean it up. Then let it dry a day or two and reassemble the GPU.

[Blue4130]

6 minutes ago, pha said:

So, I got an used GPU from a friend of mine and it works just fine, normal temps and its overall pretty clean, except for the heatsink that has salt formations in it. This particular friend of mine lived next to a beach, therefore exposing the components to a lot of humidity and salt. I live nowhere near a beach and will prevent it from happening again, but the salt on the heatsink looks horrible.

Is it safe to clean it with normal water? How would I dry it out after? Is there any other method for me to clean it off?

Thanks in advance;

Are you comfortable disassembling the GPU? If so, Take the heatsink off, remove the fans and shroud, then get out mild vinegar/water mix and a tooth brush. Rinse with clean water. Finally soak in high % alcohol to help dry everything.

[pha]

Thanks Lads! Gonna try out some of these. I ended up trying just water and a toothbrush and it didnt do the job as expected. Going to try out further in the next days and will def. update here.