Substance covering the cooling fins Heat sink surface appearance
Substance covering the cooling fins Heat sink surface appearance
Lol no worries. Some sections seem like dried dust, while others, especially the fins, look like they’re corroded. Does the card still function? I’d give it a thorough check to spot any burnt spots or damage. It’s likely someone used it in a very humid place, or maybe they scuba-dived with it. The only way to safely remove it is with something strong like oven cleaner and scrubbing. That method helped clean the fenders on my 1981 Suzuki motorcycle.
I checked the card and it functions properly. It seems the dust might have been removed by the water blast and drying process, but some residue remains on the heat sink and won’t come off.
But how to clean it since most parts are on the heat sink fin? I think a toothbrush won’t fit between them and actually help.
It seems like the material is showing signs of aluminum rust. You might notice it on your PC if you look closely. The best approach is usually to avoid any further damage. The oxidation process stops corrosion, so removing the aluminum oxide prevents further decay.
I've noticed some folks using vinegar to tackle rust, do you think it could help?