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scratched my mobo...

A

allies

Platinum Member
hey all, I was removing my backplate from my Neo4 Platinum (MSI practically superglues it on) and i accidentally scractched my mobo with a screwdriver when trying to get the glue off (I used a hairdryer but it didn't work completely). It's not deep, but it is right where there are a bunch of traces. I'm not getting my CPU until next week. Should I try the CPU out on the board, or does this risk frying the CPU as well as mobo?

Edit: Pics
Best pic of scratch
Another pic
Last one, they aren't too exciting

PS: The thing that looks like a really thin scratch is actually a hair, sorry about that.
 
Yeah, pictures!

If it's not bad, don't worry about it. I've done it a couple of times (OEM coolers have gotten much better in the last couple years!), and while it looked nasty, both mobos are still running, and never had any problems*.

* OK, a VIA chipset and PVR150 weren't happy, but that's nothing to do with physical damage 🙂
 
Make sure to turn off your computer, I just fried my USB port by sticking a screwdriver in it to close it up a little since it was having connection problems. I then smell burnt and it no longer works.
 
Originally posted by: davecave
Make sure to turn off your computer, I just fried my USB port by sticking a screwdriver in it to close it up a little since it was having connection problems. I then smell burnt and it no longer works.
Click to expand...

holy crap...lol...that's like saying "make sure you're grounded before sticking a fork into the wall socket."

This forum sometimes...

-z
 
I'm about to head to target to pick up some electrical tape to cover it up... as well as any other traces right near the CPU socket so I don't scratch anymore, but before I do, I'll be sure to post pictures so everyone can give me opinions on how bad it is. Honestly, it doesn't look that bad, it basically just looks a lighet color than the rest of the board
 
A Google of trace repair will present you with insulating paint=much better than tape and

conductant epoxy for bridging any broken traces. Broken traces can be jumped with a bit of soldered wire but it does take a touch I don't have. The epoxy is supposed to work very well as long as the break is preped properly.

Just a thought if you need it. You probably won't as the board will be fine.


...Galvanized
 
Thanks for the tip... I don't actually think the wires need to be insulated, but it's just a little extra protection in case i happen to damage that area again.

Pics in original post.
 
I won't say why, but I've used clear nail polish to cover naked traces. This was done to keep moisture away from the bright metal. Moisture will cause corrosion, then an excess of corrosion could jump the trace. I know that is a stretch, but I'm paranoid 🙂

I'll come clean on one application. Bonding sinks to MOSFETs, the MOSFET leads were covered with clear nail polish to protect them from the conductive epoxy.

Very important. Only use clear nail polish that is acetone free. The lables have to be read with care.

Your MB is OK. Luck was with you and a dull screw driver 😉


...Galvanized
 
Galvanized... would you say my traces are naked and require clear nailpolish? I just put on some electrical tape, because like you, I'm paranoid and it made me feel better. If you say that it would help, I probably will do it 🙂 Just let me know if you think it's required or not.

Edit: Even if it's not required, let me know if it's recommended or not 😉
 
Yeah the mobo should be fine as GalvanizedYankee said. I personally think electrical tape is enough as long as you didn't buy that cheap dollar store tape. But yeah the traces are somewhat naked because you can see them shine.
 
Probably not. I keep some here to use for differant things. It makes for a good sealant or
a light duty thread locker. You could just cover it with a touch of liquid super glue from the tip of a toothpick.
Acetone free clear nail polish or super glue will not attack the coating on mainboard. I've used both sparingly with no ill effects.

...Galvanized
 
Originally posted by: Sniper82
Yeah the mobo should be fine as GalvanizedYankee said. I personally think electrical tape is enough as long as you didn't buy that cheap dollar store tape. But yeah the traces are somewhat naked because you can see them shine.
Click to expand...


Bought $3.50/roll 3M tape from Target which is covering it up... I think I'm gonna just leave it alone for now.

For future reference though, Galvanized, does Ethyl Acetate have the same effect as acetone? When I was out I stopped by CVS to see if they had any acetone free nail polish - all they had is stuff with Ethyl/butyl acetate. Would this stuff work if I ever need a non-conductive sealant? Thanks in advance.

Finally, will this scratch result in less overclockability or anything of the such? I really hope not, but I guess this could be a possibility... If anyone knows, please let me know.
 
I looked at the pics as best I could on a 22"CRT. They are not broken or smeared to the point that they contact eachother. You're fine. The board will OC as new. Stop worrying.

The ethyl/butyl acetate will*NOT*harm the coating on the mainboard. Prior to using it, I tested it by putting a puddle of it on a cornor and letting it set over night. Then it was picked off, the board's coating was not damaged.

LeSalle Nochip is what I use as it was the thickest(most viscus). This bottle has lasted several years.
Women use this clear coat to cover colored nail polish and it is made not to attack the base color.

Another product worth having around is GOOP silicone adhesive. Four dots can mount a fan to a CPU's HS or to the NB. It will handle thermal expansion better than super glue and removal is easy. But it does take 24hours to fully set-up.
The sink has to be horizontal and preped when the fan is attached this way.


...Galvanized
 
If you want a 100% answer do a continuity test with a volt meter on each trace to see if theres an open, and on the 2 traces beside each other if there is a short. If all is good then... all is good 🙂

You'll need to find the end point of each trace, depending how long they are you might get lost sometimes.
 
Originally posted by: allies
hey all, I was removing my backplate from my Neo4 Platinum (MSI practically superglues it on) and i accidentally scractched my mobo with a screwdriver when trying to get the glue off (I used a hairdryer but it didn't work completely). It's not deep, but it is right where there are a bunch of traces. I'm not getting my CPU until next week. Should I try the CPU out on the board, or does this risk frying the CPU as well as mobo?

Edit: Pics
Best pic of scratch
Another pic
Last one, they aren't too exciting

PS: The thing that looks like a really thin scratch is actually a hair, sorry about that.
Click to expand...

The flash in those photographs makes them hard to see any detail. Try turing the flash off and take a new picture in a well lit room and try not to stand next to a light bulb either.

It is possible for the motherboard to work, it will depend on the depth of the scratch. If the scratch was shallow and it did not cut in to the traces or other layers then all should be ok. You could test this with a mulimeter.
 
Hi, If you only went through the Lacquer (Paint?) there will be no problem. If you went throught the copper traces under the paint you are in big trouble. Take a look with a magnefying glass. Good Luck, Jim
 
Originally posted by: davecave
Make sure to turn off your computer, I just fried my USB port by sticking a screwdriver in it to close it up a little since it was having connection problems. I then smell burnt and it no longer works.
Click to expand...

LMAO!

Also, I agree with what Jim said above me.
 
I think you can get things to re connect those trace lines, like a paste or something. But dont worry about it, those PC parts are tougher than we give em credit for. I had a friend whose mobo has a missing capacitor or two and we didnt notice anything. My parts for my old one have been through their share or wear and tear and they were fine- now this doesnt mean like throw your parts on the ground and shout "Unbreakable!", but mobos are designed for some stress- like pushing in a component until you swear that mobo is gonna break in half- never does though... usually lol
 
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