[SOLVED] AMD R9 280x PowerColor 8 and 6 pin layout required.

[fiRe_p0weR]

Heya! I don't often post on forums so this one is really hard for me, i'll try to keep it short and simple and sorry if i broke any rules! Really didnt mean to! On topic:
I have an AMD R9 280x PowerColor (never overclocked it) wich was working fine until one day something weird happened. I was watching movies all night and in the morning i left my BSPlayer on pause cuz i had to go to work. When i came back i decided i'd like to do some gaming so i rebooted my PC for optimal performance and then the strange thing happened. I got "No signal" to monitor. I was shocked and i took the GPU out (at that point i was sure its not the monitor, brand new JVC 32"). So i looked at the GPU to inspect for any visible damage, didnt find anything. Tried the DVI slot and different cables (HDMI/DVI), no luck. I got really sad and decided to re-heat the 8 and 6 pin soldering points no idea why, but it worked. 3-4 days later the same problem occured. I decided to take down the passive cooling/radiator and check the termal paste. It looked fine (greasy and not like mud/dust), anyways its not so expensive so i've replaced it with a brand new one. No luck. Then i tried re-heating the HDMI port soldering points (made sure i dont bridge them ofcourse, tested with DMM also) and poof... it worked, sadly for another 3-4 days. I took the GPU down for visual inspection again and i noticed that one side of a tiny SMD capacitor is hanging in the air. No matter how hard i tried to solder it back it just didnt want to stick back to its original place so i decided to give it a try without it. I was amazed when the GPU suddenly ran just fine, with a little problem - I couldnt restart my PC, every time i did a restart i got "No signal", the proper way was to shut down the PC, turn the PWR swich off and hold PWR button for 10 seconds. After that the PC started just fine and without any problems. I was going like this for a month or so until one day i tried to turn my PC on, pushed the PWR button, but nothing happened. No CPU fan spin-up, no GPU fan spin-up, no sound, nothing. I thought that its the damn power connectors (8 and 6 pin ones). Took my DMM, did some (unclear) tests and figured that 2 of the "legs" on those connectors are "shaking". I went to 3 shops to ask if they got 6/8 pin female connectors... No luck they had none, so i decided to try and solder the shaky legs directly to their "planes" (pictures). Well, no luck. So my guess is that i didnt solder them to the right place ?I've tried looking up for schematics, altho i cant really read one, but i couldnt find one eighter... My question is, where exactly do i have to solder them to ?

Please don't say "just buy a new GPU/throw it in the thrash/don't waste your time", i am currently unemployed and that GPU is a gift from my brother and has a sentimental value to me. Plus i've got the time and nerve to tinker with it, hopefully to a good end. Any other ideas are very very much welcome! I'm sure its not a hard task for a guy with the correct knowledge! So please share your thoughts with me! Thanks in advance!

https://ibb.co/1bbVvMz

IMG-20200423-141033 hosted at ImgBB

Image IMG-20200423-141033 hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

https://ibb.co/PFFnVKc

All-focus hosted at ImgBB

Image All-focus hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[DSzymborski]

If this ever was serviceable -- and most broken GPUs are not in fact so -- you've tinkered so much and broken at least one part that I have significant doubts that this GPU is salvageable. The 7970/280x was not known for long-term dependability.

Generally, it would also help to do some editing when describing your problem. It's one unbroken wall of text and a bit stream-of-consciousness, so it's very hard to parse, which is likely why you haven't gotten any responses.

 

[jessenwindlim]

If this ever was serviceable -- and most broken GPUs are not in fact so -- you've tinkered so much and broken at least one part that I have significant doubts that this GPU is salvageable. The 7970/280x was not known for long-term dependability.

Generally, it would also help to do some editing when describing your problem. It's one unbroken wall of text and a bit stream-of-consciousness, so it's very hard to parse, which is likely why you haven't gotten any responses.

this /\

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

I'll try to be as short as possible. 2 of the legs on the 8 pin connector fell off. There's some copper tearing as well. Could someone explain where/how the pins should be soldered properly? Thanks in advance!

Pictures:

https://imgur.com/wfmUsM7

View: https://imgur.com/wfmUsM7

https://imgur.com/idWPMf4

View: https://imgur.com/idWPMf4


P.S. The 6 pin connector is fine, but when i plug the 8 pin one the PC doesen't start at all (no fan spin-up, no power leds etc.). If i only plug the 6 pin one, the PC starts just fine (ofcourse no signal cuz it needs both of them to be properly connected).
P.S. 2 Please abstain from comments like "Just throw it in the junk and buy a new one", if i could i wouldn't be here posting this thread right?
P.S. 3 I've posted another thread, but as people there said it looks like unbroken wall of text, as i would agree. Tried to deleted it, but couldn't find such option. Really sorry for reposting!

 

[vov4ik_il]

This card has another issue (most likely a vrm short circuit) that leads to this. Those pins are not just "fall off" by themselves. Everything can be repaired with enough effort but in this case, the effort is not worth the card.
To make the long story short - get a new card.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Pins like that don't just fall out.

Did you buy this used or did this just happen to your card?

I could be wrong but It looks like there is evidence of someone soldering on the board. Seems to be both melted and unmelted flux and some of the solders appears to have been melted.

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

NightHawkRMX THANKS mate! Altho it doesent look like R9 280x (or atleast not mine), it would certanly help me further troubleshoot the problem.

This is a link to my original thread, but as i mentioned its long to read for most people, but to satisfy your curiocity:

https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...-6-pin-layout-required.3597224/#post-21711818

P.S. Yep the card is mine, a gift from my brother and has sentimental value to me, im currently using HD6570 so... i would really like to repair the R9. Thanks again NightHawkRMX!!! Any further tips are gladly welcome as i try to figure out the "copper panes".

P.S.2 vov4ik_il I am 80% certain that the GPU works flawlessly if we dont take the 8 pin problem into consideration. As i mentioned in my previous thread the GPU was working perfectly fine until one morning when i pushed the power button to start the PC, but nothing happened. Litteraly. No fans spin up, no noise, no power led turning on just nothing so i decided to "improve {damn me}" the conductivity of those unfortunate pins and this is when both of em fell off.

 

[vov4ik_il]

This card has another issue (most likely a vrm short circuit) that leads to this. Those pins are not just "fall off" by themselves. Everything can be repaired with enough effort but in this case, the effort is not worth the card.
To make the long story short - get a new card.

Yep the card is mine, a gift from my brother and has sentimental value to me,

As I said earlier, anything can be repaired with enough effort. To find out WHY is it getting overheated to the extent that 12V pins get off the board, you will need to run diagnostics, just like we did in this thread. It requires equipment that often costs multiples of those cards, parts, time, and skills.
It does not look like you understand what it takes to repair it.

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

vov4ik_il you should've just asked "To find out WHY" in your first post As i mentioned in my other thread i was re-heating the 8/6 pin's soldering points (wich in fact worked like a charm THE FIRST time and i've did it multiple times for long periods {big mistake} and thats why they fell). Heres my soldering iron:

https://imgur.com/wPWsXH8

View: https://imgur.com/wPWsXH8


P.S. I really don't mean to argue, you are right that i have nearly no idea what im doing on that GPU, wich is the main reason im asking for help...
P.S.2 vov4ik_il I am just checking the thread you pointed, really usefull stuff to learn, thumbs up for your effort with that guy, i mean it

 

[NightHawkRMX]

That context was very useful. As I figured you did try to solder on it.

I will try my very best but I can guarantee anything at all. My responses may take a while.

I just tested some things on a card of mine

https://ibb.co/YZdCs5y

You can see which row of pins corresponds to what pins on the connector.

https://ibb.co/7R7yLmP

Here is where I think each pin goes. I have no clue how to insert or remove them. I guess just try to push the pin back into the connector with needlenose pliers and solder it.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

https://ibb.co/6F0jnnr
With the red one. Use a solder sucker or desoldering wick and get rid of the solder anywhere other than on the pin and the solder pad. Get it off of the area on the PCB where solder doesn't belong.

With the yellow ones. I have no clue how you managed to do that. You may have totaled the card by damaging the PCB. I would again try to get rid of all of the unnecessary solder where it doesn't belong.

Then clean all of the flux off of the card.

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

Okay ill update this post with some full pictures of the card with removed passive cooling. I figured wich goes where (pin-wise), with the right (6 pins) the PC turns on (only PCIE + 6pin), but when i put the 8 pin connector the PC doesent turn on, ill post some more pics right away, just gotta transfer them from my phone, 3 mins.

More pictures:

https://imgur.com/G5HoCoa

View: https://imgur.com/G5HoCoa

https://imgur.com/VHRxJ1R

View: https://imgur.com/VHRxJ1R

https://imgur.com/zSSGHdt

View: https://imgur.com/zSSGHdt

https://imgur.com/5af0P2Y

View: https://imgur.com/5af0P2Y

https://imgur.com/Y9lDhgL

View: https://imgur.com/Y9lDhgL

https://imgur.com/4y49Pql

View: https://imgur.com/4y49Pql

https://imgur.com/CxZ0ghY

View: https://imgur.com/CxZ0ghY

https://imgur.com/giND6in

View: https://imgur.com/giND6in

 

[vov4ik_il]

when i put the 8 pin connector the PC doesent turn on

So the PSU goes into protection? If so - likely a short. If so - likely a shot power phase. Or two. Or 5. Or the core. Or the PCB (short between layers)... need much more info.

 

[vov4ik_il]

I just tested some things on a card of mine

Do you have the same card? It might be very helpful to have a good picture of the PCB (front and back).

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

Just provided some, if you need a specific spot just say, no problem at all friend.

P.S. I could also measure smth with a Digital Multimeter too if you need.
P.S.2 I'll try to clean the flux more if possible, really hard to remove and make some more clear pictures.
P.S.3 Don't mind the DVI port, works fine, no shorts, tested.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

I just ran a simple continuity test to find what row of pins is connected to what row of solder points on the board. It was done on a Sapphire Pulse RX570, not the same card, however, the power connector pinout should be the same.

I believe the diagrams I showed before are correct after looking at that card.

The 8 pin probably does trip protection, likely a short. Id try to clean off any random solder on the PCB as well as any flux after reattaching the pins. If the short is due to the PCB damage, the card is toast.

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

I tried cleaning the excess flux and did an edited image of the "copper panes". I think im not connecting the pins to the proper "panes".

P.S. My PSU is Cooler Master GX 750W, I believe it protects the GPU if it detects a short and that is why the PC doesent turn on when i connect the 8 pin connector. This is why i dont think the GPU is fried or i am wrong ? 😱

 

[NightHawkRMX]

You can see in the blue boxed section that there is no gold surrounding the hole. It appears the section needed to make contact has been completely ripped off the board. This pin should be for 12v, which there are multiple of, so it may still work without it. However, you will not be able to resolder a pin there and have it make any contact.

The red boxed section is an issue. There should be just a normal small amount of solder on the pin and that's it. Remove all of the solder from the circled section within the box.

In the white circled section, you just need to attach the longer pin to it. Should be straightforward enough. Only use the amount of solder you need, no more.

You likely have damaged the board with the holes burned in the PCB. I'm guessing these are from a hot soldering iron. If you severed any mission-critical trace or shorted anything, its game over. Honestly, the damage is very severe. I doubt it can be repaired, but i guess its worth a shot?

https://imgur.com/3ZIbYdK

View: https://imgur.com/3ZIbYdK

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

The exposed copper holes i've made with a tool named "dremel", they are not burned areas. My only concerns (i think) are the blue and the white circle box (as i said the red circle is fine {i made that assumption since the PC starts with the PCIE+6 pin {which is the red circle}}). Where the blue box is i can make a connection like the red circle, a little bit more sodder and its a hard path ? I reattached one of the legs, but the other one is a living hell to put inside the damn hole 🙁 I'll take a 5min break for a smoke cuz i got really nervous with that hellish leg... I was also wondering... cant i make those 8 and 6 pins from something else ? Not such Г shaped legs ?! >.< I mean a new connector of some sort ? Cause every time i heat a pin, its endangered of falling... wich makes the repair even harder :c

P.S. I have lots of spare PSU's and Motherboards... maybe do some new type of connection instead of those F*cking " Г " shaped pins ??? >.<

 

[vov4ik_il]

Well,
Let's have a closer look...

Take all those pins off (you will need to get a new port there anyway). Pls, clean the flux and solder mess around it too.
Take the heatsink off the VRM.

DO you have an idea what happened here?

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

Done kind Sir. Starting to take off the god damn hellish " Г " shaped pins. If you need something more, just say.

Thats the DVI port on the second picture, long time ago i thought i had a short there, turns out a false alarm so i glued the pins with some silicone, after that the port has been working flawlessly, no problems there, never.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

I'm going to be brutally honest. Not meaning to be mean, though they may come across that way.

I suggest you either give it off to a professional or get a replacement card.

Your graphics card may have been repairable before you started messing with it, but now, i doubt it.

First of all, why were you even using a dremel on a graphics card. A dremel is NOT AT ALL meant for electronics repair. Grinding holes into your graphics card only achieved damaging it.

Secondly, i believe a professional would be better suited to this type of soldering work. You are damaging the pcb and ripping off solder pads. You are bridging things that shouldnt be bridged, ect. All causing more damage to the card than good.

What even hapoened to the dvi port? Looks almost like you dropped solder onto it then hot glued it. This will most definately short something out.

 

[fiRe_p0weR]

NightHawkRMX No problem man, you're not mean, just telling the obvious truth, but i did all what i did because the GPU stopped working, i've repaired it like 10 times and it has always worked after each repair EXCEPT when those god damn pins broke... I've used the dremel VERY carefully cause i needed to expose the copper pane (better than to scrub with a screwdiver right ?) No solder on the DVI port and as i said it worked perfectly fine after that silicone pour-down (people use silicone on PCB's all the time to add durability and insulation am i not right?)

P.S. I feel like Life is joking with me... you guys were right... those pins are pain in the ass to pull out 😵 Im trying to pull one out since 5-6 minutes and the damn thing doesent go out on 400C* bloody hell...

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Why would you need to expose the copper there?

Where each pin is connected should already be connected to the traces needed.

 

[vov4ik_il]

The exposed copper holes i've made with a tool named "dremel", they are not burned areas.

Dremel drill is the last resort tool to isolate inter-layer shorts.

My only concerns (i think) are the blue and the white circle box (as i said the red circle is fine {i made that assumption since the PC starts with the PCIE+6 pin {which is the red circle}}). Where the blue box is i can make a connection like the red circle, a little bit more sodder and its a hard path ? I reattached one of the legs, but the other one is a living hell to put inside the damn hole 🙁 I'll take a 5min break for a smoke cuz i got really nervous with that hellish leg... I was also wondering... cant i make those 8 and 6 pins from something else ? Not such Г shaped legs ?! >.< I mean a new connector of some sort ? Cause every time i heat a pin, its endangered of falling... wich makes the repair even harder :c

P.S. I have lots of spare PSU's and Motherboards... maybe do some new type of connection instead of those F*cking " Г " shaped pins ??? >.<

I do not recommend trying anything right now, you can do more harm than good by just trying to throw +12v on random exposed PCB lines.