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

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Rust formation on a laptop, particularly near the processor's fan, is likely due to a combination of moisture and heat. Rust, or iron oxide, forms when iron is oxidized in the presence of oxygen and moisture. Even if the laptop has not been exposed to liquids, ambient humidity can contribute to rusting over time, especially when combined with heat from the processor or fan. Overheating can exacerbate this process, as heat accelerates chemical reactions. The discussion also highlights that dissimilar metals in contact can lead to galvanic corrosion, and vibrations from the fan may influence corrosion rates. It is essential to confirm whether the substance is indeed rust or another form of corrosion. If overheating is a concern, assessing the condition of the processor or fan may be necessary.
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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.
 
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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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