Has installing new cooler damaged motherboard?

ghutchison14078

ghutchison14078

ghutchison14078

Permabanned
Joined
15 Apr 2010
Posts
10
Hi guys,

I've just installed a new cooler (Swiftech H240X2 Prestige).

All seemed to go well, but when I booted up I get error code 55 displayed on my Asus mobo's Q-code display.

After some investigation I've found that if there is a RAM DIMM installed in either of the 2 slots closest (in any configuration) to the CPU it will error code and refuse to POST.

A single DIMM in either of the two further away slots, and the system boots perfectly.

After removing the cooler to check if I'd damaged the CPU or socket pins (which it I couldn't see any evidence of), I found damage to the surface of the motherboard underneath one of the cooler mounting screws.

Has the cooler damaged my board?

2ai4s5y.jpg
 
Last edited:
Usually when you overtighten the cooler it causes the socket to flex and then errors occur. Do you still have the error after you removed the cooler ?
 
ghutchison14078 said:
Yeah I kinda thought that might be what's happened.

Should the cooler have came with plastic washers to stop the metal screws damaging the board?
Click to expand...


Even with plastic washers you can over tighten the cooler and damage the motherboard, usually you should thighten finger tight and maybe plus a quater turn.
 
: Error 55 code is no memory which could mean you've damaged some of the wiring for the ram slots.. you could try resitting your ram maybe try updating bios if you can.
Joshua
 
Josh_4000 said:
: Error 55 code is no memory which could mean you've damaged some of the wiring for the ram slots.. you could try resitting your ram maybe try updating bios if you can.
Joshua
Click to expand...

Tried the very latest bios from Asus.

Tried all possible combinations of ram (with my 2 sticks).

If there is a DIMM in slot A1 or A2 (2 closest to the CPU) then the system will not POST - and will display either 41 or 55 error code.

Either way, its a new board.
 
ghutchison14078, that board can easily be repaired, from the damage on the picture.

All you need is someone handy with a solder iron, a continuity tester (Multi-meter) and a some Epoxy resin. Then after that's working stick some thin rubber washers on before adding the bolts (Both sides of the motherboard to make sure not to damage any traces on the back too) . It's a bit of a bad design from ASUS and the cooler maker for not protecting traces that come so close to the cooling supports.

Maybe take it to some electrical repair place that repairs tv's and such and ask them to repair the traces. Also ask them to apply Epoxy resin to the areas that have lost the solder mask.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom