Burnt cpu or fried motherboard?

[PlaystAzn]

Ok...here's what happened...got a new hsf for an AMD 2000+ installed wrong...the groove didnt fit right for the socket A..it didnt go down all the way so there was no connection with the cpu and heatsink...yes dumb...ok we know that it was bad...now let's see what the damage is...

after it was installed wrong...the comp was turned on about 10 times...each time taking about 5 minutes to get into the bios...then it would shut down...too hot....


so...I'm thinking the CPU is burnt..already called AMD...going to send out for replacement...but what about the motherboard? Is that bad too? It was taking forever to get to the bios and to get through POST...

Do i need a new MB too?

 

[Corporate Thug]

throw in a CPU in the mobo and see what happens

 

[lchyi]

You gotta remember that without an HSF, a AMD cpu can burn in under a minute so if you left it on for five, I think you're processor's definitely burnt. So maybe worrying about your mobo might not be your first priority.
Disclaimer: just a suggestion I've never owned an AMD, but this is what I've heard from the forums. Intel's CPUs last a whole lot longer without cooling.

 

[PlaystAzn]

well..i've already called AMD and am going to send in the cpu...so cpu problem is fixed...now i'm wondering about the mobo.

 

[MachoDonut]

Originally posted by: PlaystAzn
well..i've already called AMD and am going to send in the cpu...so cpu problem is fixed...now i'm wondering about the mobo.

I doubt it. But the only way to know for sure is to test it with a known good processor.

 

[Jii]

Originally posted by: lchyi
Disclaimer: just a suggestion I've never owned an AMD, but this is what I've heard from the forums. Intel's CPUs last a whole lot longer without cooling.

lchyi,
Correct. According to my knowledge, Intel CPU's have a built-in feature that forces the CPU to slow down if the temps get too excessive. AMD cores got extremely hot in seconds if left without a heatsink.
Earlier AMD cores lacked the feature seen on the Intel CPUs, but the newer cores (TBreds (most likely Bartons)) have this feature (as far as I know). I have never got the guts to do a test on my Thoroughbred, because the warranty is definitely gone on both the MoBo and the CPU and I don't have extra cash to throw around...

PlaystAzn,
There is a high risk that the motherboard is gone, but the only way to test it is first getting the CPU to test it. Don't be too hard on yourself; we all make mistakes one way or another.

 

[pspada]

I've seen several burnt out CPUs, or even shorted out CPUs that were dead, but the m/b continued working just fine, once a new CPU was inserted.

 

[Jii]

Originally posted by: pspada
I've seen several burnt out CPUs, or even shorted out CPUs that were dead, but the m/b continued working just fine, once a new CPU was inserted.

Here's what PlaystAzn had to say:

Posted by: PlaystAzn
after it was installed wrong...the comp was turned on about 10 times...each time taking about 5 minutes to get into the bios...then it would shut down...too hot....

By the looks of that, I'd vouch for a partially or permanently damaged motherboard. AMD cores get unbearably hot in just tens of seconds and it was running with a heatsink partially contacting the core for 10x5min. I'm really happy for PlaystAzn if his motherboard escaped this ordeal unscathed.

Of course that's my personal point of view..

 

[pspada]

My point is that, assuming the CPU fried because of the lack of heatsink contact and overheated, it's quite possible that the m/b is not damaged at all. I personally have seen motherboards with an overheated dead processor that continued to work fine with a new CPU. I even had a motherboard that had a burn mark on it from the CPU shorting out that worked fine with a new CPU in it.

 

[PlaystAzn]

but since it took sooo long just to get into the bios and post, isn't that a motherboard problem or does the cpu do that?

 

[Jii]

Originally posted by: PlaystAzn
but since it took sooo long just to get into the bios and post, isn't that a motherboard problem or does the cpu do that?

Sorry, I somehow overlooked that.

Yes, that is likely a motherboard or a BIOS issue. First thing first, get the replacement CPU, then try again with that motherboard.
- Try it with a one stick of RAM only (assuming you are using two) and without any PCI-cards.
- If it's still slow, clear the CMOS and try again.
- If that doesn't work, obtain a FlashBIOS update for the board and after flashing the board, try again.

If it still has the same problems, RMA the board. :frown: