GPU PCB looks darker and smells a little burnt

[EST_FatBoy]

Ok so Im selling my old GTX 550Ti, but when I took it out of the box it looked a little burnt and it smells kinda burnt. I guess its supposed to smell a little burnt, because of the heat and dust.

 

 

Also what would be a good way of cleaning it? Im all out of air and dont have any brushes nearby.

[DamnTarget]

Oh, that looks like it's near your power delivery system for the card. That's not good at all. Use a slightly damp cloth or use isopropyl alchahol.

[SuperPug]

Thats where the Vregs and Power delivery are located... which usually are the hottest parts on the card - however it shouldnt be charred like that.

[DamnTarget]

Thats where the Vregs and Power delivery are located... which usually are the hottest parts on the card - however it shouldnt be charred like that.

 

Yes, I agree. Do you think it's because of the OP's PSU? Or just a failing card?

[Dude]

Yes, I agree. Do you think it's because of the OP's PSU? Or just a failing card?

It won't be OP's PSU or some other parts would be dying too. Has OP overclocked his GPU? If so he might have done it too much.

[qwertywarrior]

ive  seen these happen a lot

 

 

 dont worry its not an issue

[EST_FatBoy]

It won't be OP's PSU or some other parts would be dying too. Has OP overclocked his GPU? If so he might have done it too much.

Nope, no OC, just the Gigabyte one. I did have a shit PSU but all of my other parts look fine.

[DamnTarget]

Nope, no OC, just the Gigabyte one. I did have a shit PSU but all of my other parts look fine.

I'd suggest you take of the cover and inspect the voltage regulators. Send some pictures on the forum if you can.

[EST_FatBoy]

I'd suggest you take of the cover and inspect the voltage regulators. Send some pictures on the forum if you can.

Everything looks fine, they dont look burnt.

 

[DamnTarget]

Does the bottom of those chokes look burnt to you? I can't see clearly.

[EST_FatBoy]

Does the bottom of those chokes look burnt to you? I can't see clearly.

They seem to be fine.

[DamnTarget]

They seem to be fine.

 

Hmm, give it a thorough clean while the cover is off and use a cloth with some isopropyl alcohol to clean the dust and the burnt portion of the PCB.  

[SuperPug]

Yes, I agree. Do you think it's because of the OP's PSU? Or just a failing card?

 

The issue has to be with the card itself imo. But it doesn't necessarily mean its failing (at least not atm). My guess would be that theres bad airflow in the case and hence the Chokes get a bit hot - i think they are usually rated at around 100 - 110Celsius its very possible that the Ink on the pcb cant withstand those temps and got discolored. As long as the card runs and doesnt burst into flames i'd say op is fine. If he's overvolting the cart maybe turn it back to stock voltage.

[EST_FatBoy]

The issue has to be with the card itself imo. But it doesn't necessarily mean its failing (at least not atm). My guess would be that theres bad airflow in the case and hence the Chokes get a bit hot - i think they are usually rated at around 100 - 110Celsius its very possible that the Ink on the pcb cant withstand those temps and got discolored. As long as the card runs and doesnt burst into flames i'd say op is fine. If he's overvolting the cart maybe turn it back to stock voltage.

I dont think the card got up to those temps. Well I sold it, and if it doesnt work I'll just take it back.