Core Grafx II question

[cornacchia]

So I recently got me a Core Grafx II  But when I opened it up the metal plate on the bottom was pretty rusty.  The system works fine and there is no damage to the board.  I was wondering if that plate was necessary, and if I could just remove it without any heat issues. Any replies are appreciated.

[gtsamour]

The metal plate protects the system from electromagnetic interference, something like a faraday cage.

[BlueBMW]

Also, there is a metal piece attached to the voltage regulator that acts as a heatsink for it.  Do not remove that or the voltage regulator will probably burn up and fail.

[cornacchia]

Its definitely not the heatsink.  It covers the bottom of the board, not soldered on or anything. My white pc engine doesn't have one so im not sure if its necessary.  I could take pictures later when I get home.  I just don't want the rust to spread to the board.  There was a little corrosion on the board but I cleaned it up and everything works fine.

[BlueBMW]

Its mostly for interference shielding.  I know on turbo expresses I have to remove such shielding to replace the capacitors.  I have noticed no ill effects from doing so.  Might not comply with FCC regulations afterwards but...

[gtsamour]

why dont you just remove the rust with some abrassive paper, make it clean and shiny again and keep it in place? It may not be soldered on anything but when the system is assembled and closed, it touches the board's ground.

[cornacchia]

why dont you just remove the rust with some abrassive paper, make it clean and shiny again and keep it in place? It may not be soldered on anything but when the system is assembled and closed, it touches the board's ground.

That is what I ended up doing    It took longer then I thought, there was more rust than it seemed...  Oh well, everything is in working order now.