Can't POST after failed OC

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RyanTScott

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Apr 9, 2017
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Ruh roh. Tried to OCing my 1950x to 4ghz @ 1.375v and got a BSOD while testing in p95. I waited a while for it to auto restart and eventually just manually restarted. That's when it didn't POST. Tried clearing CMOS via the MB's clear CMOS switch but still won't post. Going to try and clear now via taking the cmos battery out. Did I fry my CPU?
 
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OK. it's probably either 2 things.

1. A bad RAM slot.
2. One of the CPU motherboard pins is bent or broken.

If you feel up to it, carefully remove the heat sink and CPU and carefully examine the CPU slot on the motherboard for bent/broken pins. If the problem is not the pins but just a bad slot, you would have to remove the CPU and cooler anyway.

Actually one of 3 things.
The CPU could have gone bad.

 
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I don't think there's anything physically wrong with the CPU as this all started from a failed overclock and before this the systemwas working fine for a year. Did the failed OC screw up the mobo? Would flashing the BIOS help at all?
 
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It couldn't hurt to do so.
I find it hard to believe that a simple overclock (your voltage wasn't incredibly high) would cause physical damage to the motherboard or RAM slot or CPU slot.
But looking at the CPU slot and ruling out any bent pins would point the problem in the direction of the CPU itself.
I just want tot make sure you try everything before you go for a replacement motherboard/CPU.
 
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Ok fair enough. Before I do that though I should mention that I reapplied arctic silver to the CPU yesterday in preparation to OC. When I took off the coldplate i noticed that compound had gotten into some crevices around the CPU. I cleaned with Arctic Clean remover and surface purifier and did my best to get all the compound out of the crevices using a coffee filter. Is it possible that the cleaning and reapplication of compound is the culprit. Should I remove my CPU, thoroughly clean it and then reinstall?
 
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Yeah Arctic Silver 5. Not sure how to post a pic on Toms...

Ok here's the pic...

QXgb31S
 
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I don't think it got on the CPU motherboard pins as I didn't take the CPU out when I reapplied. Also I think I should point out that this didn't happen immediately after reapplying but after several failed attempts at OCing... The system booted fine initially after reapplication.
 
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That does look like a bit much compound.
I would definitely remove the CPU and thoroughly clean it and also carefully clean around the mounting bracket but before doing so I would re seat the CPU shield that came with the motherboard (if you still have it) to protect the CPU pins while you are cleaning.
Take your time with the cleaning.
Then do not apply too much paste on the CPU. I don't know how to apply to a Threadripper because I've never done it but you should be able to find some resources on the web or maybe someone here who has done it can chime in.

 
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Ok thanks again for the support and I'll follow your directions now. I actually just finished researching optimal tr4 thermal grease application which is what prompted me to reapply in the first place. Be back in a bit.
 
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Just took the CPU out and it appears I went a little overboard with the cleaning before the Arctic reapplication. Please see pics below:

http://imgur.com/gallery/2IxDr5K

It appears that liquid actually seeped underneath the CPU. There's also a bit of thermal compound on the gold plate. My question now is how should I clean the CPU? Should I just wipe it off with a lint free rag or should I apply the two step arctic silver remover to the CPU? It is goldplated and doesnt have pins. Also how far should I take the mobo cleaning?
 
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Yes definitely clean the CPU with the 2-step.
Then wipe it with a lint-free rag.
If you're not comfortable with cleaning the MB/CPU socket take it to a PC repair shop. It is delicate work.
You should never clean a CPU while it is in place, if that is what you did. too much chance to make a mess.
Boy! That CPU is a big sucker!



 
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After careful consideration I've decided to punt and get a new mobo. I was able to clean the CPU just fine however I'm not confident in my ability to clean the socket successfully and I need my system ASAP for work. Such a comedy of errors... Anyway one last question. Given what we've observed in this entire thread which would you surmise is the bad part the CPU or the mobo? I currently have both parts on order with the new mobo arriving tomorrow and the new CPU arriving the day after. My hope is to slap the old CPU in the new replacement mobo and carry on as if nothing happened. If that doesn't work the new CPU will be arriving the next day. Blar.
 
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My guess would be the one you picked...the motherboard.
However, I wouldn't carry on as if nothing happened.
You learned some valuable things and to not use them would be a shame...like don't overload with the thermal paste.
I was happy to help.
Maybe update us with your results.
Good luck.

 
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