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Question

UNKNOWN PROBLEM PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

by Apr 19, 2017 6:42PM PDT

Started up computer, (old Gateway DX model with AMD Phenom II quad core) weird noise emitted from fans inside. Unplugged everything and opened up. Fan was clogged with dust. Removed processer fan assembly (processor stuck with heat sync) and used a vacuum to clean out the dust on the fan and around other areas on the computer. Placed everything back exactly as it was before. I pressed the power button, and the fans ran instantly, but no power status light came on and no boot up information appeared on the monitor. Any information on what went wrong and what to do about it is greatly appreciated.

Discussion is locked

12 Posts
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Clarification Request
Where's the paste?
by James Denison Apr 19, 2017 7:00PM PDT

between the CPU and the HSF??? Did you???

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No Paste
by Low-Budget-HS-Boi Apr 20, 2017 10:13AM PDT

Yes, I did do it between the two. And in a few other places on the innards.

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Answer
Vacuum
by Apr 19, 2017 9:23PM PDT

Using a vac to clean the innards is NOT a good idea.
As dust gets pulled through the nozzle/hose it can create esd.
It does not take much to zap the stuff inside the pc.

A better method is to use compressed air.

Did you by chance pull the cpu out of it's socket when you removed the hsf?

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Vacuum
by Low-Budget-HS-Boi Apr 20, 2017 10:14AM PDT

The cpu came out because it was stuck to the heatsync.

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Any fix
by Low-Budget-HS-Boi Apr 20, 2017 10:16AM PDT

Is there any way to fix this? (Seriously, anything would help at this point.)

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Answer
Since the CPU come out.
by Forum moderator Apr 20, 2017 10:23AM PDT

It's likely to be a bad CPU connection. You wrote NO PASTE so hit YouTube and google for videos on paste cleanup, how to apply and how to check the CPU socket and pads as you try again.

At worst you'll need a new motherboard if the CPU socket pins were damaged.

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Thanks
by Low-Budget-HS-Boi Apr 20, 2017 10:36AM PDT

Thank you for this, this really helps. Also, to clarify, are you talking about the pins on the CPU or the socket for the CPU?

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Both.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 20, 2017 10:47AM PDT
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PS. The simple thing to look for.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 20, 2017 11:06AM PDT
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Clues for damage
by Low-Budget-HS-Boi Apr 20, 2017 10:39AM PDT

Any good way to look for damaged pins on the motherboard?

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Damage
by Bob__B Apr 20, 2017 10:54AM PDT

Get a magnify glass and a good light.
Inspect the cpu pins and the socket pins.

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AMD Phenom
by James Denison Apr 20, 2017 11:42AM PDT

The pins are on the CPU, the motherboard uses a "socket", probably AM2 or AM2+.

Hold the CPU to a light and check both ways to see any any pins are bent. Use a round toothpick or similar to "comb" any bent pin back into place, and be very careful on putting back in socket, don't force it.

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