View Full Version : Mould growth on cards in humid climate
I live in noth queensland, very humid. My graphics card died and when i replaced it i found mould growth on the top of the card. I assume that because the AGP slot sits directly below PSU that the heat generation is different thus causing the problem. My question is if i place silica packs (type found in shoe boxes etc.) or mouisture absorbent beads in my case will it cause any other problems?
klosters64a
08-08-01, 08:16 PM
As long as the silica packs don't move, you'll be alright. In days of olde, we kept a light bulb on 24/7 inside of closets. Dunno if this is still true, but you had to bake the silica packs at ?temperature to activate them. Perhaps you could leave your box on 24/7. If you already do let's hope that the packs will do the job!
Silica won't hurt anything. But, a better idea might be to seal all the components in your box with whatever the peltier users use to prevent condensation. That'll keep mold removed from the components proper, as well as protect against that awful humidity. Water vapor in the air causes rust too!
No flame intended but you might want to find the source of the mold, that is pretty unhealthy. It had to come from somewhere near the computer. Break out the bleach!
Remember, if mold grew in your computer, it sure as hell won't have any trouble growing inside of YOU. Gross!
You're the first I've heard with this fungus prob. on PCBs. I live in Malaysia and close to the sea and swamps and it rains often and the worst I experienced was when moulds grew on my floppies -luckily they were old stuff. Comes in all colors tho, white, green, brown... and is transmissible like disease if you put in a 'infected' disk into your drive(s).
You might consider getting an ionizing air filter like an Alpine Aire. We have high humidity do to swamp cooler use in the summer and NO mold or mildew. The air filter takes care of it.
An ionizing filter for the whole room or can you get smaller versions. Is there some form of spay that can be used on the board and cards without damage. Air con isn't practical.I know it seems strange but if it does it once, could do it to all cards.
Endeavor
08-09-01, 04:36 PM
or use the silica packs, that would probably be the cheapest
Military and marine electronics have a conformal coat to protect from moisture and the things that grow in it. You could use a commercial spray on conformal coat,
Thanks for the advice.This is a great forum.
Originally posted by Colin
Military and marine electronics have a conformal coat to protect from moisture and the things that grow in it. You could use a commercial spray on conformal coat,
Where can I find this stuff?
Any decent sized electronics store. Online try Mouser, Digikey and Newark. You could make your own by thinning clear silicone calking with naptha but it would be a PITA to coat an entire card. The spray on stuff would be better for doing a large surface are.
Originally posted by Colin
Any decent sized electronics store. Online try Mouser, Digikey and Newark. You could make your own by thinning clear silicone calking with naptha but it would be a PITA to coat an entire card. The spray on stuff would be better for doing a large surface are.
TQ! Don't think I'll be melting moth balls to thin out the silicone tho.
Originally posted by cjtune
You're the first I've heard with this fungus prob. on PCBs. I live in Malaysia and close to the sea and swamps and it rains often and the worst I experienced was when moulds grew on my floppies -luckily they were old stuff. Comes in all colors tho, white, green, brown... and is transmissible like disease if you put in a 'infected' disk into your drive(s).
The FUNK!
My brother spent two years in Singapore and Malaysia, and came back with some intersting stories.
Mothballs? LOL! Ronson lighter fluid would be a lot easier. ;)
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