PCA Forums

I cleaned the whole thing with isopropyl alcohol. I can use it around the traces too, right? I got most of the arctic silver off that I spilled before. Would have been nice if I hadn't have gotten it everywhere. That way, my core would be the only thing needed to be cleaned. The core is nice and shiny too. if you guys OK it, I will put on the ASII, and start putting my computer back together.

So clean I can almost see my reflection. Not really.

You can use alcohol on traces with no problems. Just make sure that you cleaned using an anti-static cloth (or something static resistant) like a Kimwipe. You don't wanna go zapping your CPU because you used TP or a paper towel.

I used a cloth that came with my glasses. Where would I get a Antistatic cloth? Maybe I could just use a anti-static bag? I really need to get my computer put back together by tomorrow. Is there a way I could test the amount of static that is there? I think I may be ok. How often do you fry the CPU because there was static in it?

Thanks for letting me know.

I have these alcohol wipes i use... I have yet to blow a CPU using them and have doen it over a dozen times... Jsut be sure there's no lint on the core put some AS on it and put it back together... If you are grounded the chance of any static is slim to none...

OK here's the deal with static....

Every time you touch something there is a transfer of electricity, an ESD (electro-static discharge) event. The smallest discharge you feel (an electric shock) from touching something is 3500 volts. Anything less cannot be felt. Just because you don't feel it though, doesn't mean it isn't occuring.

CPU designers know that most people who install their processors will be in an uncontrolled environment. They won't be grounded, they will be working on carpet, wearing high-static clothing, etc. When CPU I/O signals operate between 1.5v to 5v range, 3500v is enough to completely fry your CPU. So they compensate by adding extra procection (like diodes) on the sensitive input pins.

It's entirely possible to touch your CPU, discharge electricity, not feel a thing, and still have the thing work. However, that ESD event can result in a failure down the road (a latent ESD event). It's estimated that as much as 80% of computer failures are related to latent ESD events.

So, be very careful with your hardware. Just because it works now doesn't mean you didn't cause damage.

BTW. ESD wipes (like Kimwipes) can be purchased at almost any electronics store (like Fry's or Radio Shack).

I never use any anti static cloth but obviously some should. I simply use a lint free napkin and always ground myself with metal to discharge any static first. This way has never given me any problems. For that matter I always tough metal before touching anything inside my case.

Cool. Well, I got the processor in and the AX7 on top of it. Looks pretty dang sweet. Fits nice a snug. I think getting rid of the shim I had before will help with cooling.

Thanks Solstice. Hopefully I didn't fry anything. :-\