Causes of Rust on a Laptop Processor: Moisture or Heat?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the causes of rust on a laptop processor, specifically whether moisture or heat is responsible for the corrosion observed. Participants explore the chemical processes involved and the conditions under which rust can form, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of rust despite no exposure to liquids, questioning whether moisture or overheating could be the cause.
  • Another participant explains that rust forms from a redox reaction involving iron and oxygen, emphasizing that heat alone does not cause rust without moisture.
  • A different participant raises a question about whether the overheating is related to the processor or the fan, suggesting that if the processor is overheating, it may need replacement.
  • Concerns about the type of metal involved are mentioned, with a distinction made between standard carbon steels and stainless steels in terms of corrosion susceptibility.
  • One participant suggests that moisture in the air is always sufficient to cause slow rusting, with heat accelerating the reaction, and mentions the potential impact of fan vibrations on corrosion rates.
  • Another participant advises confirming whether the substance is indeed rust before proceeding with further analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the primary cause of rust, with some attributing it to moisture and others to heat or a combination of factors. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact cause of the rust.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific conditions under which rust is forming, including the type of metal involved and the environmental factors at play. The discussion does not resolve whether the observed corrosion is indeed rust.

seedslingers
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I have a laptop which has never been exposed to water or liquids.
But somehow I have rust where my processor's fan blows out the extremley hot air prior to over heating.

Does any know why there would be rust. Does it have to be from a moisture.
Can it be from over heating of materials causing element break down.

Thanks for your replys
 
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No, but heat and air can. Rust forms from a redox reaction when Iron specifically is oxidized to form a Iron Oxide. Remember, that with heat alone, Iron in its metal state can't donate electrons to anything. Oxygen must be present. Copper does something similar in which "red" copper corrodes or oxidizes to form a green copper oxide crust. BTW- heat simply speeds the reaction up.
 
Last edited:
But somehow I have rust where my processor's fan blows out the extremley hot air prior to over heating.
What is overheating, the fan or the processor. If it's the processor, then it's time to get an new one or a new fan. Is it an AMD processor.

Moisture would cause Fe alloys to corrode, particular standard carbon steels as opposed to stainless steels.

Dissimilar metals in contact with each other or common electrolyte (water with ions) may produce galvanic corrosion in the metal, which is anodic (anode). The anode corrodes faster than it would if isolated.

Are you sure that it is 'rust' or something that looks like rust?
 
seed : there's always enough moisture in the air to rust steel slowly. The heat only speeds up the reaction. Another (much smaller) factor that can affect the corrosion rate is vibrations from the fan itself. Is your fan noisy ? Is the rust forming on the inside of the case or somewhere else ?
 
I'm with Astronuc. You should first determine if it is rust.
 

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