Vaseline as a dielectric grease?

[K404]

I`ve heard from some sources that this is fine to use as a dielectric grease for CPU sockets to stop condensation/pin rot, and also as a surface mount component protector if its smeared on BUT i`ve also heard that because its petroleum based, it eats into plastics.. obviously not good for our silicon and plastics.

Has anyone tried it...any comments on its effectiveness or safety?

Its cheaper than dielctric grease from car shops, and I got some lying around, but before I even try it on the corner of my mobo, I`d love to know if its gonna be worthwhile

Cheers!

Kenny

 

[stocky]

You could perhaps try it on the plastic and see if it eats it away over a week or so - I remember at skool they used to say not to use it as a lubricant cos it would eat the condom; so who knows?!

Dielectric grease isn't that expensive! I think you can pick up a big tube of Dow Cowning that'll last for ever for just a few quid.

Boiled tap water, cable ties, vaseline, what ever next?

 

[Master_G]

I have found it works ok in the short run, i have only used as a stop gap measure when i have run out of dielectric grease from lack of forethought. Never caused any issues with the plastics, but it is a bit of a pain to clean up if you need to, it is more strand-y and particle-y than standard dielectric grease, so it is hard to fill the socket with and harder to remove.

I would personally, for long term running, always go with dielectric grease which you know is specifically designed to work at the very low temps and protect your stuff. Vaseline is far in the short term from my experience, but i would go for quality over cheapness when it comes to condensation proofing, condensation is damned expensive

G

 

[K404]

Boiled tap water, cable ties, vaseline, what ever next? [img']http://www.extremeprometeia.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif[/img]

You Probably dont wanna know!

BUT... I did some scribbling at lunchtime on "designs" for a new way of making a hold-down for the Mach head. Hopefully get a start on that tonight.....

On a slightly more serious note..you`re both right. One day, my cheapness will probably help me have an accident. Comes with being Scottish I think?

Was using real Dow Corning on my mobo for the Mach install and was beginning to feel that I was getting through a fair amount of it... might have been some slack in the syringe plunger though

Thanks guys! No matter what I throw at ya, you`ve both been very quick to help me out

(others too, but you 2 have gone well beyond the call of duty)

K

 

[maverik-sg1]

I don't use either mate - except for a small patch on the components exposed to the cold on the back of the motherboard.

Officially use only dilectirc grease - unofficially it should be fine, you could even use WD40 (she screamed ).

Mav

 

[Psykotik]

I've been using Vaseline since day one as a dielectric, Marci from O-CuK uses it in his rigs so I went for broke and it's fine