[SOLVED] Discoloration on PCB Traces

[jbru92]

My motherboard has some discoloration on some traces around the screw hole. This is on the back of the motherboard and is likely due to either pliers or a rogue standoff that I had to replace in the case.

The issue that I'm having is recognizing if this is exposed copper. My eyes aren't great with color and I can only tell that part of the area is a different shade than the other. Can someone please advise if the copper is exposed?

The board has posted. However I'm not sure that just because it's working now doesn't mean the potential damage may cause it to soon fail.

This part of the motherboard is inaccessible while in the case. Is it worth dismounting and performing maintenance of the area? Should I use polish?

https://imgur.com/a/knFey8z

View: https://imgur.com/a/knFey8z

 

[SkyNetRising]

Can someone please advise if the copper is exposed?
Is it worth dismounting and performing maintenance of the area? Should I use polish?

Can't tell for sure, if copper is exposed. Resolution is not high enough.Better lighting also necessary.
If it's working, then it's fine.

Yes, you can use nail polish to cover scratched traces. It won't make it worse.

 

[kanewolf]

Zooming in, that looks like corrosion that has attacked the traces. It also looks like that has been a very hot area.

 

[jbru92]

Zooming in, that looks like corrosion that has attacked the traces. It also looks like that has been a very hot area.

This motherboard has only been installed for a day and the computer has only been turned on twice, once since this incident. It's been running for maybe 30 minutes max with some repairing happening regarding unmountable boot drive after windows update. Maybe this layer is just a strange color? I can't really tell what color it is.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I didn't see any corrosion or overheating/burning signs.

 

[kanewolf]

I didn't see any corrosion or overheating/burning signs.

It could be lighting. The area around the screw hole looks darker than the rest. That is usually a sign of overheating.
The white "stuff" looks like it is on the surface rather than through the lacquer. There is a grey blob at about the 11 o'clock position, that looks like fiberboard.
Better lighting or a different angle I might have a different answer.

 

[jbru92]

It could be lighting. The area around the screw hole looks darker than the rest. That is usually a sign of overheating.
The white "stuff" looks like it is on the surface rather than through the lacquer. There is a grey blob at about the 11 o'clock position, that looks like fiberboard.
Better lighting or a different angle I might have a different answer.

I'm not sure how well these photos are. My eyes aren't the best. Hopefully these are better. Like I said this board has only ran for maybe 30 minutes max.

https://imgur.com/zpPzKlc

View: https://imgur.com/zpPzKlc

https://imgur.com/JnDKDxU

View: https://imgur.com/JnDKDxU

 

[SkyNetRising]

Ok, those photos are better.
Definitely exposed traces. But none seems to be broken.

Cover with nail polish (colorless) and be done with it.