View Full Version : Condensation problem ?
Holst
06-03-2003, 09:12 AM
Soemnthing odd happend last night.
I turned on, PC boots fine and I play GTA3 VC for about 30min.
Then It reboots, and when it tries to load windows it blue screens and complains allot.
So I reboot, blue screen again different error.
Another restart and it wont post, C1 error.
I turn off clear CMOS, it posts but reboots.
I swap the ram and bios chip.
Boots tries to load windows then blue screen.
Then one final reboot and its on FF, and im worried.
So I was thinking condensation, so I left the prommy on for about 15min then quickly pulled the evap off to see if anything was wet and it wasnt.
I was getting annoyed by now so I stripped the machine and took the bits into work today.
Ive tested everything and its all absolutely fine. (everything bar PSU as I forgott to bring it)
Does this sound like a possible condensation issue?, the mainboard (obvious suspect) is 100% good.
TheDude
06-03-2003, 10:22 AM
I would think that you would see signs of it ...if it were condensation. Write down your BSOD errors next time, they can be used to help determine problem. All your components tested good? Video Card works? Inspect your Video card for any discolored spots...if there was condensation near evap head, it would probably drip down onto your video card.
Keep us posted.
Holst
06-03-2003, 11:59 AM
There was no moisture on the video card.
Im also watercooeld on the NB and GPU, but they both look sound as well.
Ive reassembled everything with extra condensation protection, neoprene in all the socket air holes then extra seal string around the mainboard.
It seems to be running fine now, ill see how I get on.
Ive got some new seal string now (thanks JR ) the stuffI had before was reused 3 times, that might have been a factor.
My fans are running slow so im not getting condensation from the top of the evap (as the heater element is on)
why does the fans at full speed mean the heater element cant be on? I never have got that idea. seems a bit strange to me.
CodeRed
06-03-2003, 02:05 PM
Originally posted by Ewok
why does the fans at full speed mean the heater element cant be on? I never have got that idea. seems a bit strange to me.
The Carel controller cant independantly control output 3 (fan) and output 4 (heater). They are either both active (fan high, heater off) or both inactive (fan low, heater on) and are slaved to the P2/ST2 settings. Ive been through the manual a dozen times now and there is no way to leave the heater on and have the fans slaved to the P2/ST2 settings (unless you start cutting wires ;))
doesnt that kinda defeat the entire point of having the heater? I mean the faster the fans go, the lower temps will be, the higher the chance of condensation is and the greater the need is for the heater.
so if its not going to work when the fans are on full speed, theres quite frankly no point in having it there at all.
TheDude
06-03-2003, 04:21 PM
I have never used the heater, I use the insulation pad on the back of the board. I think it depends a lot on your environment as to whether or not you have condensation problems as long as everything is sealed properlty.
Holst
06-04-2003, 12:24 AM
Its very humid here ATM, so even if the top of the evap drops below ambient a little some moisture forms.
You can short a connector on the chill controll to get fast fans and heater on, but I prefer it quiet anyway.
my mach2 arrives tomorrow.
1 more thing about this heater, surely heating up the back of the cpu socket is going to 1: heat the cpu up some, and 2: heat up the probe in the socket and give wildly inaccurate cpu temps?
Holst
06-04-2003, 12:07 PM
I think the dude got this a bit backwards.
The heater is built into the top of the evap head to stop condensation on the exposed plastic. It will increase temps slightly, but not by much...
Its not like the vapochill where there is a heater around the CPU.
The back of the socket isnt heated its just protected with foam and seal string.
TheDude
06-04-2003, 02:08 PM
Originally posted by Holst
I think the dude got this a bit backwards.
The heater is built into the top of the evap head to stop condensation on the exposed plastic. It will increase temps slightly, but not by much...
Its not like the vapochill where there is a heater around the CPU.
The back of the socket isnt heated its just protected with foam and seal string.
Yeah...I was talking about the Prommie...I have one. The early ones had either the heater or the pad and the heater was not built in. You used one or the other, not both. I use the insulation pad. It was very much like the Vapochill. I'm not sure what you are talking about, but do know what I'm talking about. :D
1 more thing about this heater, surely heating up the back of the cpu socket is going to 1: heat the cpu up some, and 2: heat up the probe in the socket and give wildly inaccurate cpu temps?
Ewok speaks of the same heater that I did. I still have mine...never used.
Holst
06-05-2003, 01:06 PM
Maybee I dont have this heater then..
The only heater in my prommy is the one in the top of the evap (thats built into it)
TheDude
06-05-2003, 01:15 PM
Originally posted by Holst
Maybee I dont have this heater then..
The only heater in my prommy is the one in the top of the evap (thats built into it)
No sorry...there was another heater included in the early models...looks a lot like the Vapochill heaters, made of foil with a coil in it.