To heat or not ?

[gaddster]

I'm getting keen on bringing the MachII out of retirement :) after I lost a board to condensation :( Can't keep it on the sidelines forever..

If I use dielectric grease, some PCB insulating spray & neoprene foam do I still need to have the heater connected ? Or am I risking all by not using it no matter how much extra condensation proofing I do ?

Some advice from those in the know would be much appreciated :)

Thanks.

[megahurtz-oc]

lots and lots of die electric grease. spray is good and lots of neoprene. dont be stingy with the d.g cant hurt a thing. as for the heaters i dont even use mine as it is well insulated.

[gaddster]

well, it is all back up & running :) Board is sprayed, greased and I'm using foam under the backplate (not running the heater of course) & a little square in the cpu socket + grease in the pins of the socket. Temps naturally seem lower without the heater & I suppose it is too early to know if there are problems..Will just have to wait & see but I feel good about it this time :)

[Gary Lloyd]

Watch for condensation on the surface of the insulation. If there is condensation, then that surface needs a) more insulation or b) heaters. Systems in very dry areas don't need the heaters. Systems in very humid areas do.

[mikead_99]

Originally posted by Gary Lloyd
Watch for condensation on the surface of the insulation. If there is condensation, then that surface needs a) more insulation or b) heaters. Systems in very dry areas don't need the heaters. Systems in very humid areas do.

Yup, you are only going to shave a few degrees without the heater. I'd rather sacrifice those few degrees then a mobo myself.

Also just wanted to throw out a word to the wise here. I only use dielectric grease in the socket now. On one board I put a very thin layer around the socket, leaving easily 1/2" distance from the edge of the grease and the sealstring gasket. Either from heating or cooling the grease migrated, caused the sealstring to loose it's bond with the mobo, and within a month of the install I had a dead board. On tear-down I found a trail (thin enough that I couldn't see it, but felt it) of the grease maybe 3 - 4" outside of the side of the socket. I'm pretty anal when it comes to putting this stuff together, I know the area was clean when I installed. This was Lubrex if it makes a difference.