How bad is it?

[Adam the Grim]

Not even sure if this goes here, sorry.

Very long story short, I scratched the back of my motherboard. It's a sabertooth Z87 and I want to know if I'm safe or if I'm completely screwed.

[Godlygamer23]

Where did you scratch it at? Was it on a trace?

[Muffinator]

My mobo came with I serious looking scratch on it. Works fine though. Unless something chipped off the back, I think you are fine.

[Adam the Grim]

Ah, sorry, could've sworn I attached a photo, sorry if it's not very clear. I'll try to take another picture when I get home.

[Coombzy]

Looks fine to me I would say that would still work since you did not scratch anything crucial only a light mark.

[Wats]

Those are fancy traces :p

 

 

 

I think it's fine, no copper showing.

[Godlygamer23]

The only way to know if it's okay is to try to use it.

[Adam the Grim]

The only way to know if it's okay is to try to use it.

Can't, PSU isn't coming in until next Wednesday. :(

Well, I think most of my fears have been dissolved. Thanks everyone.

Just in case, if it doesn't work, is there anyway I can fix it?

[YellowDragon]

Should be fine, that scratch is not across any traces, That white you are seeing is a protective layer, as long as there isnt any bare metal shining through you should be fine, if you really are worried about keeping it protected get your hand on some Silicon Glue and dab it across the area, its non conductive and designed for use with electronics to hold stuff in place. 

[Adam the Grim]

So.... Bad lighting reveals a copper color...

Am I screwed? Sorry if I'm being annoying, I'm just REALLY worried.

[Kuzma]

That doesn't look too good ._.

[ProKoN]

these are supposedly some of the most durable boards out there..all you can do is wait and validate the z87 sabertooth scratch resistance.

[Adam the Grim]

:( I'm so scared...

[Adam the Grim]

Is there any way to save it?

[Kuzma]

Not really :/

[Adam the Grim]

Got another picture. It doesn't seem to be on the trace, it just seems to be VERY VERY close to it. Am I safe now?

[Godlygamer23]

I see the shiny bit, but what's after that leading up the trace? Part of the scratch?

[Adam the Grim]

It's part of the scratch, but I don't believe any copper is being exposed.

Here's another picture, sorry for the crazy quality, I'm using my phone.

[CadillacVic]

I've used acrylic fingernail polish to seal scratches in circuit boards with copper exposed you could try that all it will do is create a barrier so the copper won't arc on metal if current passes through it

[Adam the Grim]

I've used acrylic fingernail polish to seal scratches in circuit boards with copper exposed you could try that all it will do is create a barrier so the copper won't arc on metal if current passes through it

I'll try that, thanks.

[Adam the Grim]

.... What happened to the other replies?

Also, will the nail polish cause anything to short out?

[Art Vandelay]

Those are fancy traces :P

 

 

 

I think it's fine, no copper showing.

They make the traces in that shape so that the ones going to the same place are all the same length. It's the same kind of thing as T-topology.

[CadillacVic]

.... What happened to the other replies?

Also, will the nail polish cause anything to short out?

nope it just acts like a plastic barrier so the copper won't arc on the case.

[Adam the Grim]

nope it just acts like a plastic barrier so the copper won't arc on the case.

Okay, sweet. I thank you so much. :D