Can messing with the CPU heatsink...

[DyslexicHobo]

I just applied some new thermal paste to my step-brother's Spire HSF. In order to do that I needed to take the original thermal paste off using alcohol (on the CPU and HSF), and then some high-grade sandpaper (1500). I cleaned it off again very well with some more Isopropyl alcohol and applied some AS5, a very thin layer of it just like I do on my own PC.

The next time I tried to turn on that PC, it wouldn't boot (the monitor didn't have any kind of response at all). I tried re-seating the HSF and this time the monitor flashed on, but then turned off. I tried different monitors that still didn't work, the monitor isn't the problem.


So my main question is... can having a bad HSF cause the computer to not boot?

 

[sniperruff]

is the HSF properly seated? did the fan spin?

 

[MustISO]

The HS is probably not the problem. Did you bend any of the CPU pins? Is the fan working on the HS?

 

[ZL1]

anti static precautions taken ?
I said goodbye to a mobo once like this



D

 

[Amaroque]

You didn't say what CPU, but I hope you didn't take the sandpaper to the core. Especially if it's an AXP.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

lol sandpaper to the CPU... No I'm not quite that dull.

And the only anti-static precautions I took was to ground myself by touching the stainless steel computer case.

Yes the fan spun.

No I didn't bend any pins (99% sure).

 

[ZL1]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
lol sandpaper to the CPU... No I'm not quite that dull.

And the only anti-static precautions I took was to ground myself by touching the stainless steel computer case.

Yes the fan spun.

No I didn't bend any pins (99% sure).

actually thats how it happened for me
by the way did you say "stainless steel computer case" ?

anywho pull the cpu and hsf and reseat


D

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Yup I have an Antec Sonata. I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel....

(Btw it's not the computer that I'm running now... the Sonata is just a spare empty case with PSU I have lying around)


Edit: Oh yeah, and if it matters, I'm using an AMD Athlon Mobile 2500+

 

[ZL1]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Yup I have an Antec Sonata. I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel....

(Btw it's not the computer that I'm running now... the Sonata is just a spare empty case with PSU I have lying around)

was it plugged into the wall ?


D

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Originally posted by: ZL1

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Yup I have an Antec Sonata. I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel....

(Btw it's not the computer that I'm running now... the Sonata is just a spare empty case with PSU I have lying around)

was it plugged into the wall ?


D

No

 

[shimsham]

did you clear the cmos with the jumper? since you took it out and back in, you may have to clear it.

i dont have to clear with jumper, but every time i pull the cpu out of the socket, ihave to redo the settings in the bios. even tho its the same cpu, it thinks i put a new one in.

 

[Reiniku]

last time i cleaned my cpu to apply some as5 it would not boot (isop i think 100%). it was an axp 2700+

 

[iamtrout]

Did you let the alcohol completely dry from the CPU and HSF before applying TIM and mounting?

 

[ZL1]

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo

Originally posted by: ZL1

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Yup I have an Antec Sonata. I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel....

(Btw it's not the computer that I'm running now... the Sonata is just a spare empty case with PSU I have lying around)

was it plugged into the wall ?


D

No

wall is required, since its connected to the building's ground, hence expresion "grounding"
but chances are this is not the problem at hand, Im just explaining good anti-static precautions

try reseating the cpu see maybe that helps, try clearing cmos as "shimsham" suggested
you never know what happens


D

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Originally posted by: ZL1

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo

Originally posted by: ZL1

Originally posted by: DyslexicHobo
Yup I have an Antec Sonata. I'm pretty sure it's stainless steel....

(Btw it's not the computer that I'm running now... the Sonata is just a spare empty case with PSU I have lying around)

was it plugged into the wall ?


D

No

wall is required, since its connected to the building's ground, hence expresion "grounding"
but chances are this is not the problem at hand, Im just explaining good anti-static precautions

try reseating the cpu see maybe that helps, try clearing cmos as "shimsham" suggested
you never know what happens


D

CRAP! I've always thought that all you need to do to release your static charge was touch something conductive/metal... Maybe that's why my computer shut down the one time I touched my video card while it was still on. Luckily no damage was done.

And clearing the CMOS sounds like a good idea, I can't believe I didn't think of that before. I'll try it ASAP.

 

[Okazaki Fragmenter]

This is a question in order to help so someone answer this question before trying this. If you use as5, it takes a while for it to reach it's best performance level, so should the computer be turned on for a while even though there is no response from the monitor and as long as the cpu fan runs, then shut off and then turn it on again to see if it works. (just a thought don't try unless someone approves I guess)

 

[Amaroque]

I always unplug the PC, and touch the chasis whenever I do work inside the case. I have never left it plugged into the wall for a ground.