[SOLVED] Help me post-mortem my motherboard (likely killed it with 212 EVO install)

[neonplants]

Hey everyone,

Having trouble with my first-ever build - couldn't get it to POST, no matter what I tried.
Bought a new motherboard. Pulled the existing motherboard out (ASRock B365 Pro4), and it really looks like I damaged the board when installing the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler.

Here's a photo of the motherboard, with a closeup of the bottom-left mounting hole.

It looks like it/I cut into the circuitboard there.
Problem is, I swear I followed the instructions to the letter, watched YouTube videos for the cooler install, etc, and it was still a real struggle.
I feel like I can't use this cooler in the new motherboard, and want to find something a lot less risky to install.

Can anyone confirm that this does in fact look bad, and could cause the motherboard to malfunction?

 

[RealBeast]

Looks like too much pressure was applied to make those indentations and yeah the one lower left looks like some uncovered copper traces perhaps. Look at the bright side though -- the 212 is a lousy cooler.

 

[neonplants]

Looks like too much pressure was applied to make those indentations and yeah the one lower left looks like some uncovered copper traces perhaps. Look at the bright side though -- the 212 is a lousy cooler.

Got it. Can you recommend something in that same price range that's not as horrible to install?

 

[RealBeast]

Got it. Can you recommend something in that same price range that's not as horrible to install?

I always use Noctua and beQuiet, which are both more expensive. The beQuiet Dark Rock 4 is about $70. Some of the other users will drop by and offer some other less expensive alternatives that are easy to install.

 

[neonplants]

I always use Noctua and beQuiet, which are both more expensive. The beQuiet Dark Rock 4 is about $70. Some of the other users will drop by and offer some other less expensive alternatives that are easy to install.

$70 is not so bad. Install is easier on the beQuiet than the claws of death on the 212?

 

[RealBeast]

$70 is not so bad. Install is easier on the beQuiet than the claws of death on the 212?

I find it to be a very easy install, just follow the simple directions and/or watch the install video.

 

[FoxVoxDK]

Could make sure the traces aren't damaged or somehow twisted into each other, causing who knows what. Then cover it with a patch of electrical tape or non-benzene derived nail-polish. Just to make sure it doesn't progress any further.

The Dark Rock Pro 4 as an example, is a breeze to install. Noctua and be Quiet! are some of the most solid choices.

 

[rubix_1011]

I just did a review of the Dark Rock Pure Rock 2 - its a solid choice for budget builds. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/be_quiet-pure-rock-2

Also consider the Arctic 34 eSports DUO or the be quiet! Shadow Rock 3:
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/be-quiet-shadow-rock-3
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/arctic-freezer-34-esports-duo-cooler,6352.html

These are all good choices at $40 or less.

My recommendation is going to be to also find some rubber or other non-conductive washers to cover those spots, regardless the cooler you choose. Most neighborhood and big box retail hardware stores should offer some choices for a very low price.

 

[popatim]

I've used the eSports duo 3 times now. It's a good cooler.

 

[rubix_1011]

They are good, surprising results. I would use either of the be quiet! coolers listed below if I were doing a budget build for someone...and they look very high quality.