Copper sulfate build up on copper heatsink?

AI Thread Summary
A user returned from vacation to find their computer non-functional, likely due to lightning from recent storms in Southern Ontario. They discovered deposits on their copper heat sink and CPU cooler, initially believing these to be copper sulfate, which they associated with corrosion similar to that found on car batteries. However, another participant clarified that the white deposits on car batteries are actually lead sulfate, not copper sulfate. The discussion shifted to the possibility that the deposits on the heat sink were simply oxidation of the copper, which can create a green patina over time, similar to that seen on the Statue of Liberty. The original poster acknowledged the mix-up and expressed surprise at the potential for oxidation to occur on a heat sink within a year.
blimkie.k
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I came home from a vacation to find my computer conpletely dead, I am assuming it's lightning from major storms that rocked south ontario last week.

I have noticed that I have deposits of copper sulfate on my copper heat sink and cpu cooler made by zalman. I am wondering what would cause this. I am sure it must be bad because I know it builds up on car batteries. Anyone know why I would be getting this copper sulfate? I googled it and could not find any related posts.

Cheers.
 
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The whitish suff that builds up on car batteries is lead sulfate - not copper sulfate

By what means did you come to the conclusion that the deposits on your heat sink are copper sulfate?

I would assume that it is just oxidation of the copper and you are seeing a green tinge such as that seen on the Statue of Liberty.
 
My apologies it was a false assumption, must have got the names mixed up for the stuff on the car battieries. I was certainly not expecting any type of oxidation or wethering to occur on a heatsink over a year so I came up with some half baked idea that maybe it was a result of a short which occurred sometime during the 2 weeks I was away. I dunno. Thanks for setting me straight.

Cheers.
 
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