I built this system in early 2010 and since then I've just upgraded the GPUs. Every year I used to take everything apart (except CPU) and clean it. This time I wanted to change my 950 for a Xeon and I removed the CPU as well. I was careless and did a noobish mistake and ended up with several bent pins on the socket. One thing led to another, tried to restore them in a hurry, but no joy.
So, the machine doesn't post and goes straight to FF. At the moment I am testing with a PSU, the mobo, the CPU and a fanless heatsink, nothing else connected. Yesterday I took my time to restore the pins to the best of my ability, using a magnifying glass and a suitable precision screwdriver, but still no luck. I've tried clearing the CMOS (it has a button for this), I've tried removing the battery, I've tried with the mobo on a non conductive surface to make sure nothing is "shorting" on the back...
At the moment I am at a place where I am not sure if it's worth trying any more, because the machine is stuck at FF even with no CPU installed. Is this normal or is this an indication that I have fried the mobo? I mean, is there not another error code for a missing CPU?
Today I will test my CPUs (i7 950 and a Xeon) and PSU with another mobo to make sure they are ok, but other than that I don't know what to do. Maybe look at the pins carefully one more time and make sure they are nicely aligned and that none of them are in contact with another. I would really appreciate any help.
P.S. I am sure I haven't done a perfect job with the bent pins, considering I am 41yo and my vision is not 20/20 as it used to be, but I am starting to doubt they are the only problem at this point. Thanks in advance.
So, the machine doesn't post and goes straight to FF. At the moment I am testing with a PSU, the mobo, the CPU and a fanless heatsink, nothing else connected. Yesterday I took my time to restore the pins to the best of my ability, using a magnifying glass and a suitable precision screwdriver, but still no luck. I've tried clearing the CMOS (it has a button for this), I've tried removing the battery, I've tried with the mobo on a non conductive surface to make sure nothing is "shorting" on the back...
At the moment I am at a place where I am not sure if it's worth trying any more, because the machine is stuck at FF even with no CPU installed. Is this normal or is this an indication that I have fried the mobo? I mean, is there not another error code for a missing CPU?
Today I will test my CPUs (i7 950 and a Xeon) and PSU with another mobo to make sure they are ok, but other than that I don't know what to do. Maybe look at the pins carefully one more time and make sure they are nicely aligned and that none of them are in contact with another. I would really appreciate any help.
P.S. I am sure I haven't done a perfect job with the bent pins, considering I am 41yo and my vision is not 20/20 as it used to be, but I am starting to doubt they are the only problem at this point. Thanks in advance.
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