Experienced a sand-like sound during installation and is it secure to proceed?
Experienced a sand-like sound during installation and is it secure to proceed?
I’ve filled the unused RAM slot with extra memory and added a Wi-Fi card, connecting it to a PCIe X1 port. During installation, I heard a loud grinding sound similar to sand. It might have been dust particles from when I first installed the board five years ago. Everything appears to function properly now, but there’s a risk those particles could remain inside the slots and potentially cause insulation issues or overheating, which might lead to burns if current flows through. P.S.: I cleaned the slots with a few bursts of compressed air before installation, but some particles seem still present.
What you're experiencing is likely the circuit board at the contact area, which may have a slightly rough edge when inserted. This isn't unusual if the components are assembled carefully.
If those tiny particles were present, would you worry? While your reasoning is more likely, it's always better to be certain.