- Feb 24, 2024
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I'm afraid that there's a bit of a long explanation for this, but I think it will avoid confusion if I provide the whole context for my questions.
I ordered a used motherboard online about a year ago, but only just got all the components I need to complete my new build/upgrade. So when I unboxed the mb, I was surprised to see that there was a heatsink still on it, and I can see thermal grease around the edges. I didn't remember buying it as a combo, but it was a year ago, that's fine, now I've got a spare processor and heatsink.
So I hook everything all up, and everything is running when I turn it on, except there's no display. I know the GPU is fine because I had used it earlier that day on my old build. I stick my hands under its fan, it's definitely running. I check all the cables, everything is tight. I check the manual online and double check everything, everything is in place correctly. Then I get a sick feeling, and I pull the heatsink off.
Sure enough, the absolute moron had taken the CPU out, then screwed the heatsink back on right over the bare socket. Didn't even wipe it off. There is a layer of thermal compound on it like frosting on a cupcake. It's all over the place.
I set the heatsink aside, run and grab every Q-tip I have and I start carefully wiping all that compound off, desperately trying to get it away from the socket. I fail. The tiniest little string of it drops inside the top edge of the socket.
I run and get the rubbing alcohol and a brand new soft bristled toothbrush, and ever so gently clean the grease out of the socket. I install the new CPU and heatsink, hook everything back together.
Now it doesn't turn on at all. When there was no processor in there, everything powered on. Now the only thing that happens is I get a red power button lighting up on the mb. That's the only indication that it's getting any power at all.
I ordered an identical motherboard, because the thing is probably bricked. I'm worried though because I dropped the CPU into that damaged socket. How could I tell if the pins have been physically damaged? I don't want to drop it on the new mb and damage that one too.
And I still don't quite understand why the rig is not powering on now, when it had no trouble with no CPU at all. What's the difference between a damaged socket and an empty socket that would cause that? Could it be a different issue? GPU and PSU can be ruled out because I know they work.
I ordered a used motherboard online about a year ago, but only just got all the components I need to complete my new build/upgrade. So when I unboxed the mb, I was surprised to see that there was a heatsink still on it, and I can see thermal grease around the edges. I didn't remember buying it as a combo, but it was a year ago, that's fine, now I've got a spare processor and heatsink.
So I hook everything all up, and everything is running when I turn it on, except there's no display. I know the GPU is fine because I had used it earlier that day on my old build. I stick my hands under its fan, it's definitely running. I check all the cables, everything is tight. I check the manual online and double check everything, everything is in place correctly. Then I get a sick feeling, and I pull the heatsink off.
Sure enough, the absolute moron had taken the CPU out, then screwed the heatsink back on right over the bare socket. Didn't even wipe it off. There is a layer of thermal compound on it like frosting on a cupcake. It's all over the place.
I set the heatsink aside, run and grab every Q-tip I have and I start carefully wiping all that compound off, desperately trying to get it away from the socket. I fail. The tiniest little string of it drops inside the top edge of the socket.
I run and get the rubbing alcohol and a brand new soft bristled toothbrush, and ever so gently clean the grease out of the socket. I install the new CPU and heatsink, hook everything back together.
Now it doesn't turn on at all. When there was no processor in there, everything powered on. Now the only thing that happens is I get a red power button lighting up on the mb. That's the only indication that it's getting any power at all.
I ordered an identical motherboard, because the thing is probably bricked. I'm worried though because I dropped the CPU into that damaged socket. How could I tell if the pins have been physically damaged? I don't want to drop it on the new mb and damage that one too.
And I still don't quite understand why the rig is not powering on now, when it had no trouble with no CPU at all. What's the difference between a damaged socket and an empty socket that would cause that? Could it be a different issue? GPU and PSU can be ruled out because I know they work.
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