I recently bought a PCIE 1X Riser.
I have posted images of it here.
http://imgur.com/a/b41tnhttp://imgur.com/a/fxKJGit has like residue on it in the centre, will it be safe to use? I am being extra cautious as these components are important and unusual components.
Comments
The residue appears to be solder flux which is a heat activated mild acid. Over time, if it remains on the card, it will degrade the solder mask and affect the card. But it would normally take years for that to happen. It should be safe to use as is.
But if you want to remove it, then if the solder flux was water soluble then you can just rinse it off with filtered water and a mild detergent and a soft brush. Then shake off excess water and let it air dry over night so that it is completely dry before use. If you are in a humid environment (>60%) then you may want a fan blowing on it. You can also use a hair dryer set on warm (rather than hot). Anyway, it should be completely dry before you use it. If the solder flux doesn't rinse off with water, then you will have to buy some solder flux remover to dissolve the residue. And then wash the board with mild detergent (not soap) and water and dry it. Solder flux remover is usually a mixture of some special alcohols and a detergent designed to dissolve the flux. Ethanol or methanol usually won't work, and paint thinner or nail polish remover might damage the circuit board coating. So don't use those. If water and a mild detergent by itself doesn't work, then buy flux remover of leave the flux on the board.