WHOA! Burnt CPU pins!

kidscruff · 29 Nov 2009 at 22:56

So, I've been spending weeks and weeks trying to figure out what's wrong with my computer randomly crashing/freezing, going so far as to purchase a brand new power supply and new memory.

But since I was still getting freezing, I stripped my PC completely today only to find one burnt out 1156 socket pin, welded to a CPU contact pad (and not the one it was meant to be in contact with!). This is a single pin, surrounded by undamaged pins. I cleaned the CPU contacts, but the pad still looks somewhat scorched.

I built the computer in a technicians lab, with antistatic wrist-straps and careful precision, and I know for a fact nothing was dropped or knocked when building it, and the CPU was mounted immediately after removing the protective plate.

Obviously I don't want to use the motherboard, and will contact the supplier to see if they will replace it. There's no way they can convince me I somehow damaged that one single pin.

But do you think I should try and get the CPU replaced as well? Any chance it could have been damaged by the motherboard?

PS: Will update with pictures when I'm back home

kidscruff · 30 Nov 2009 at 10:42

Well, I've seen the Anadtech article before - it's not nearly so bad as that. It's just one pin, but 'melted' in the same way. And in the same corner location!

kidscruff · 30 Nov 2009 at 12:02

kidscruff · 30 Nov 2009 at 12:13

No, it's definitely the remains of the socket pin. It melted away!

kidscruff · 1 Dec 2009 at 10:38

I cleaned the CPU contacts with a little IPA, which I probably should have left alone if I knew I was sending it back with the motherboard.

Either way, the motherboard and CPU have been sent back as requested by the RMA (not to OcUK), but apparently it's "Manager's Decision" if a replacement is sent...

Have a feeling I'm going to have to fight my corner on this...

Oh, and everything was on stock timings and voltage. Never overclocked

kidscruff · 1 Dec 2009 at 11:39

Hey SMAndy, I don't think it was meant as an insult

I work as a Mechatronics engineer in the Aerospace industry, so I do a fair amount of soldering myself. The burnt pin reflecting the camera flash does look like a solder fleck, but either way I'm not going to start messing with things under warranty. But any help and suggestions are always welcome!

kidscruff · 11 Dec 2009 at 12:10

What a nightmare. They reckon the CPU is ok - I'm sure their extensive testing of post=ok covered that one. As for the motherboard, they are sending this back to the manufacturers as the board is 'damaged'...

Plus this morning I found my car lock has been smashed in with a screwdriver/hammer combination. What a great day.

kidscruff · 11 Dec 2009 at 16:57

Well I need a motherboard before Christmas, so have bought another one! They'll ship the motherboard and my CPU back together - hopefully they haven't mashed up my CPU in the process.

Then it's a waiting game for a refund/replacement of the old board.

Oh, it's all money money money, and the time of year! Classic.

Anyway, gotta keep my chin up, could always be worse

kidscruff · 11 Dec 2009 at 18:10

Thanks for the heads up. I had read a few posts on that thread before, but couldn't remember where it was.

kidscruff · 13 Dec 2009 at 18:26

New motherboard - socket pins checked, rechecked, checked again. CPU inserted, removed, pins checked, rechecked. CPU inserted again!

*Prays to the computer gods*

Workshop so cold the Arctic MX3 seems to be setting hard!? Installed CPU cooler, memory, graphics card and all cables...

Booted up and into Windows (reactivate windows? activation failed?? - had to activate over the phone). Experience index reads 6.0 for graphics?? Reinstalled video drivers, WEI graphics 7.7 - check...

Everything seems ok so far - obviously not going to celebrate too soon! But it is my birthday tomorrow!

Please let this be a lesson for buying 1156 sockets - please check your pins BEFORE assembly!

Christmas wishes to all here at the OcUK forums. I think I would have lost it without all the help I've received from you fine folk. Mince pies for all!