F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Has the MSI motherboard been leaking sticky fluid?

Has the MSI motherboard been leaking sticky fluid?

Has the MSI motherboard been leaking sticky fluid?

J
jameson627
Member
50
06-15-2023, 08:12 PM
#1
I observed an unusual shine at the end of a heatsink and found some liquid buildup ready to form a droplet. I cleaned it with alcohol. The surface became sticky. Checking the other heatsinks revealed leaks beneath each one. They weren’t as intense as the first issue shown, but they spread onto the motherboard—like dried oil on top. It’s interesting that they appear on the back side too, possibly seeping through to the underside. The darker areas match the heat sink locations. I managed to clear them by wiping. The motherboard stays cool, never exceeding 50°C inside, and the VRM stays below 55°C. Even under heavy loads, the CPU and GPU operate safely below 70°C. It doesn’t seem conductive, yet dust has accumulated in some spots. I’m puzzled about how much debris lies beneath the heatsinks. Why would a reputable manufacturer like MSI use something so questionable? Anyone here experienced this? Probably many overlooked it.
J
jameson627
06-15-2023, 08:12 PM #1

I observed an unusual shine at the end of a heatsink and found some liquid buildup ready to form a droplet. I cleaned it with alcohol. The surface became sticky. Checking the other heatsinks revealed leaks beneath each one. They weren’t as intense as the first issue shown, but they spread onto the motherboard—like dried oil on top. It’s interesting that they appear on the back side too, possibly seeping through to the underside. The darker areas match the heat sink locations. I managed to clear them by wiping. The motherboard stays cool, never exceeding 50°C inside, and the VRM stays below 55°C. Even under heavy loads, the CPU and GPU operate safely below 70°C. It doesn’t seem conductive, yet dust has accumulated in some spots. I’m puzzled about how much debris lies beneath the heatsinks. Why would a reputable manufacturer like MSI use something so questionable? Anyone here experienced this? Probably many overlooked it.

I
inbal300
Member
64
06-17-2023, 02:00 PM
#2
The thermal pad grease amount is reasonable. Is your area really very humid?
I
inbal300
06-17-2023, 02:00 PM #2

The thermal pad grease amount is reasonable. Is your area really very humid?

Z
Zoaxh
Member
147
06-17-2023, 05:22 PM
#3
Occurs with all motherboards. The board isn't leaking, but the thermal pads on VRMs and the chipset become sticky, allowing their fluids to leak through over time.
Z
Zoaxh
06-17-2023, 05:22 PM #3

Occurs with all motherboards. The board isn't leaking, but the thermal pads on VRMs and the chipset become sticky, allowing their fluids to leak through over time.

E
eojeoj1
Member
168
06-18-2023, 01:06 AM
#4
It's highly likely silicon oil from the thermal pads is present. Many motherboards contain a bit of this (grease marks on the back are common), but this amount is unusually high compared to the chipset.
E
eojeoj1
06-18-2023, 01:06 AM #4

It's highly likely silicon oil from the thermal pads is present. Many motherboards contain a bit of this (grease marks on the back are common), but this amount is unusually high compared to the chipset.

N
nedak14
Junior Member
5
06-26-2023, 10:39 PM
#5
Currently, the humidity level is at 55%, which may be high depending on your environment.
N
nedak14
06-26-2023, 10:39 PM #5

Currently, the humidity level is at 55%, which may be high depending on your environment.

I
iskela99
Member
247
06-28-2023, 11:20 AM
#6
The air feels quite moist, though not overly so. It would be described as very humid, likely above 80% most days.
I
iskela99
06-28-2023, 11:20 AM #6

The air feels quite moist, though not overly so. It would be described as very humid, likely above 80% most days.

1
101pate
Member
73
06-28-2023, 02:15 PM
#7
This concerns the immediate impact on performance rather than a long-term issue. It relates directly to how efficiently the heatsinks manage heat flow.
1
101pate
06-28-2023, 02:15 PM #7

This concerns the immediate impact on performance rather than a long-term issue. It relates directly to how efficiently the heatsinks manage heat flow.

I
Itz_Andro
Junior Member
12
06-28-2023, 02:23 PM
#8
The thermal pad material doesn't conduct electricity, so it won't harm the circuit board or the heat sinks.
I
Itz_Andro
06-28-2023, 02:23 PM #8

The thermal pad material doesn't conduct electricity, so it won't harm the circuit board or the heat sinks.

P
Propolix
Member
77
06-30-2023, 12:06 PM
#9
Hello everyone.
P
Propolix
06-30-2023, 12:06 PM #9

Hello everyone.