What is this?

[FireFox]

Today i was bored and so i decided to disassemble my Graphic card, after i opened it what i found was shocking, before someone ask me if the card was overheating the answer is no, the card has always worked without issues.

 

[blobster21]

spilled fluid ? grease ?

 

[DR4G00N]

It's probably just an oil like substance from the thermal pads, they tend to do that over time.

Just use some isopropyl alcohol and some paper towels and it'll come right off.

Though some of that looks like it could also be flux residue.

 

[FireFox]

spilled fluid ?

And from where it comes from?

grease ?

It's probably just an oil like substance from the thermal pads

When i touched it i have thought the same.

Though some of that looks like it could also be flux residue.

And how in the heaven that could happen?

 

[R-T-B]

And how in the heaven that could happen?

At the factory while soldering, presumably.

 

[FireFox]

At the factory while soldering, presumably.

But if feels like some kind of oil

 

[DR4G00N]

But if feels like some kind of oil

Then it is just oil I guess, I can only observe what's shown in the pics and it looked like it could've been flux.

Pretty much just clean it off and don't worry about it.

 

[FireFox]

Pretty much just clean it off and don't worry about it.

I will do it next time am bored

 

[Bill_Bright]

Would you mind to check this for me: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/what-is-this.248551/post-3923054

As per your request, I added my comments here.

You said it felt oily. Silicon is often used as a lubricant and is one of the most common types of TIM (thermal interface material) used. In fact, we used to buy Silicon Thermal "Grease" by the tub back in the day. Silicon is a great conductor of heat, but is considered a semiconductor of electricity. That is, depending on the properties of the specific formula used, and how it is used, it can be used as a conductor of electricity, or insulator.

In TIM, it's formula generally does not conduct electricity well. I suspect what you see in those images is the result of a little too much silicon TIM used, and some of the grease, when heated, oozed out. And because it has very low viscosity, it spread out. But because it is basically an insulator in this form, there is no worry about it causing any electrical shorts.

Actually, silicon is also commonly used to coat electrical connections that are exposed to the elements - such as in the engine compartments of autos and boats. This is to keep moisture out of the contacts. So if anything, what you see may actually help keep moisture out - a good thing.

I personally would not worry about cleaning it, except, maybe, to take a clean, lint free cloth to gently wipe off any excess that might rub off. If you really want to clean it, do NOT use any solvent like Isopropyl alcohol or acetone as those are solvents! They might dissolve and remove some of the resins coating the board that help keep moisture and corrosion out. If you really want to clean it, use only quality electrical contact cleaner.

 

[FireFox]

If you really want to clean it,

I'll keep it that way.

Once again many thanks for your help.