What the flux is that white residue all over my xbox motherboard?
That white residue commonly seen all over the xbox 360 motherboard is an different type of residue that can either be ionic, or organic in nature. These residues can be difficult to remove sometimes with normal cleaners. Ionic residues can cause corrosion, if left on the board and should be removed. Organic residues are usually more cosmetically damaging, but can also become corrosive over extended periods of time. The nature of the soldering flux used, soldering process and cleaning parameters, and problems with the cleaning solvents used, can all lead to the formation of ionic residues. Organic residues can occur due to improper soldering or cleaning techniques or because of a mismatch between the flux and the specific flux remover employed. A simple test to determine if the residue is ionic, or organic is to drop a few drops of water on some and alcohol on another part. If the drops of water dissolve the residue, its ionic; if dissolved by the alcohol, the residue is organic. This w
