Reflowing a Graphics card using an oven

Beer and chicken gfx cards... Now there is something you dont hear about everyday
 
For the sceptics.

Almost all electronic boards are done this way,. but with special ovens that run a "heat profile" to perform the flow soldering. And they use solder paste of course.

Now, very very important: The board MUST cool down before you try and remove it from the oven. ALL components are 'loose' (they are sometimes glued in the manufacturing process, but don't bargain on that), so if you were to tilt or bump the boards when removing, you'll have a whole new problem boet.
 
I've got an 8800GTX that doesn't power up fan turns for a second than dead. Do you guys think this would fix the problem??
 
so... what about all the caps with plastic insulation wrapping around them? and how long do you keep the card or board in the oven?
 
Mr.Jax said:
For the sceptics.

Almost all electronic boards are done this way,. but with special ovens that run a "heat profile" to perform the flow soldering. And they use solder paste of course.

Now, very very important: The board MUST cool down before you try and remove it from the oven. ALL components are 'loose' (they are sometimes glued in the manufacturing process, but don't bargain on that), so if you were to tilt or bump the boards when removing, you'll have a whole new problem boet.
Click to expand...
I removed it from the oven, didn't think about that... But I didn't tilt it and I placed the card on three little balls of tinfoil (before entering the oven) and didn't touch the cards at all after taking them out.

Kamz said:
I've got an 8800GTX that doesn't power up fan turns for a second than dead. Do you guys think this would fix the problem??
Click to expand...
If the card is out of warranty, why not give it a shot!?

LabAnimal said:
so... what about all the caps with plastic insulation wrapping around them? and how long do you keep the card or board in the oven?
Click to expand...
The 8800GTX has solid capacitors so that's not a problem. As for the other two, the plastic seems to be alright.
Put the cards in for MAX 10 minutes.
Trying to finish my programming so I can test these things.
 
Last edited:
stroebs said:
Just put an ATi card in that I had lying around, major artifacts on that one.
Trying to boot
POST
Click to expand...

This was such an anticlimax that I laughed when I saw the pics(still smiling while typing this). What did the card do before you baked it? Was it dead? I will remember this trick though.
It is like the deep-freeze trick for hdd. I have done it countless times and it work most of the times.
 
RoMark said:
This was such an anticlimax that I laughed when I saw the pics(still smiling while typing this). What did the card do before you baked it? Was it dead? I will remember this trick though.
It is like the deep-freeze trick for hdd. I have done it countless times and it work most of the times.
Click to expand...

That was what it was like BEFORE baking
 
What are the steps to do this ? I have a nVidia GeForce 6800 which may benefit from this.
 
Jola said:
What are the steps to do this ? I have a nVidia GeForce 6800 which may benefit from this.
Click to expand...

Here's a short guide :)

Step 1: Prepare a baking tray (preferably a very thin one) by covering it with a single layer of tinfoil
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius
Step 3: Remove ALL components you possibly can (including all heatsinks and wipe the card clean of anything left on it)
Step 3: Roll 3 or 4 small balls or squares of tinfoil and place them on baking tray evenly spread out so you can place the card on them
Step 4: Once the oven is at 200 degrees, place the card on the tray and put it in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: You need to turn the oven off immediately after it is done, you want it in for the shortest amount of time possible
Step 6: Once the card has cooled a bit, take it out of the oven gently without tilting it and place it in a well ventilated area for an hour minimum.
Step 7: Replace all components you removed and test it out!
 
it's out of warranty i'll give it a try this w/e and let you know how it goes
 
Thanks, may give this a go, the 6800 is still a good card. Otherwise I have to chuck it anyway.
 
The problem:
POST
Trying to boot

The result of baking the card:
POST
Trying to boot

Steps on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare a baking tray (preferably a very thin one) by covering it with a single layer of tinfoil
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius
Step 3: Remove ALL components you possibly can (including all heatsinks and wipe the card clean of anything left on it)
Step 3: Roll 3 or 4 small balls or squares of tinfoil and place them on baking tray evenly spread out so you can place the card on them
Step 4: Once the oven is at 200 degrees, place the card on the tray and put it in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 5: You need to turn the oven off immediately after it is done, you want it in for the shortest amount of time possible
Step 6: Once the card has cooled a bit, take it out of the oven gently without tilting it and place it in a well ventilated area for an hour minimum.
Step 7: Replace all components you removed and test it out!
 
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