A friend accidentally spilled glue on his computer.
A friend accidentally spilled glue on his computer.
I brought his parts home and checked them on my PC. The CPU, M2 slot, and NVME drive seem to function properly. I was able to open Windows using his GPU via the motherboard. However, I could only do this through the second PCIe slot—using the first caused fans to spin but no display, and the speaker emitted a GPU error code. The GPU itself was on, fans were running, but no image appeared. The speaker also beeped with the same error code. We plan to buy acetone on Monday to attempt cleaning the GPU pins and retest. I’m unsure how to clean the PCIe slot, and the keyboard and mouse stopped working after a short time.
Ensure proper ventilation and use minimal quantity. It may ruin the PCI-e connector due to its plastic nature and could harm the PCB. If the alternative slot functions correctly and the GPU works, opt for that instead of the damaged one. Avoid further complications beyond what exists.
Why not utilize the GPU in the second PCI-e port continuously? It’s unlikely you’ll notice any change. That port should offer sufficient bandwidth for a GPU, even if it runs slower than the first (which is typical). I wouldn’t expose the system to acetone either—this powerful solvent can damage plastics and PCB coatings. In short: proceed with caution...
The GPU isn’t functioning properly, likely because the adhesive seals cover most of the pins. For confirmation, my GPU operated in the second slot during testing, while mine still works in the first slot, which appears to have the same issue—glue is still visible inside.
to clarify, it was my GPU that functions on the second slot. Its GPU activates the lights and fans, yet no video output appears on either of the two motherboards. I think this might be due to the pins being covered in glue, similar to what I observe in the first PCIe slot where glue is still present inside.
Consider mechanical methods for peeling the adhesive rather than using acetone. Options include a Dremel with sandpaper or a tiny diamond tip for precise spots. In every situation, maintain steady hands and exercise caution.