Scratch on video card

[lumbergh]

I have an old fx5200 ultra laying around. I had to buy a new card because i accidentally scratched the 5200. I was looking at it today and was wondering if i could somehow fix it, just so i have another card ready in case of emergency.

When i was putting my computer together, i was carelessly putting the card in and accidently scratched the back of it with a screwdriver, and the card doesn't work anymore.

Is there any way to repair this? i heard something about nail polish remover, but i have no clue what the person was talking about.

 

[hans030390]

i dont think you can fix it

 

[Aznguy1872]

, Good thing it was only a FX 5200 and not something like a 7800 GT.

 

[Harvey]

Possibly, if you are good with a solder iron. Your vid card probably uses a multi-layer circuit board. If all the damage is to traces on the surface layers, and you can clearly see them, you can use an Xacto blade to scrape back a little of the solder mask (the colored coating) to expose the trace and tack solder a fine piece of wire across the scratch.

Most of the traces on these products are very fine so use a low temperature iron with a very fine tip that won't fry them. The best wire to use would be the kind used for "wire wrap" assembly. Here's an example of Kynar wire. The insulation doesn't melt back when it's heated.

That's a British source, but it was the first one I found in my Google search that included a pic.

Another solution is to strip back some lamp cord (AC plug wire) and pull out one strand. After stripping a small area of copper on both sides of the cut, tack solder the strand across the cut trace. You can finish the job by insulating it with nail polish.

If you're not experienced with a solder iron, get a friend to help, and have a magnifying glass close at hand.

 

[mwmorph]

conductive pen would be easier. would that work?

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
conductive pen would be easier. would that work?

Yes, IF you can paint a line that thin. You still have to strip the solder mask to bare the copper trace, and insulating the repair with nail polish is still a good idea.

 

[lumbergh]

alright thanks for the info. since its just sitting collecting dust i might as well try.