NewEgg AMD CPU burnt!

[trance]

I installed an AMD ATHLON XP 1800+/266 FSB PROCESSOR CPU - OEM and on first bootup it burnt out! Note that i did NOT OC not did I improperly placed the cpu into the socket. I called their RMA office and they said it was "physics" damage, meaning that its OUT OF WARRANTY because it was physically damaged. However, it was physically damaged because it burnt out! I've been built dozens of computers and this is the first time a CPU burnt on me. My question is, what can i do to replace the athlon?

P.S. Strange how they replaced the motherboard (EPOX EP-8KHA+ VIA Apollo KT266A) but not the CPU.

 

[Viper GTS]

Are you SURE you installed the HS correctly? As long as the motherboard was supplying correct power, even a passively cooled heatsink properly installed should prevent catastrophic failure.

Viper GTS

 

[xynder]

This is why I ordered the A7V333 with C.O.P. so this never happens.

 

[flood]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Are you SURE you installed the HS correctly? As long as the motherboard was supplying correct power, even a passively cooled heatsink properly installed should prevent catastrophic failure.

Viper GTS

Indeed. Once i forgot to plug my cpu fan back in (oops ). With only my alpha 6035, i tried booting 3 times into windows only to get a bluescreen each time. Then i noticed my computer was running almost silently :Q
Chip was fine tho.
Too bad i didnt have a pitcher of water to dump on it

Also, one of my good friends who is quite experienced w/hardware burned up his athlon 800 with improper installation of a heatsink. He didnt crack his core or anything... there was a ridge on the bottom of the heatsink that was supposed to go between the chip and socket (where it says socket462). I suppose this ridge was supposed to keep the heatsink from moving after being installed, but my friend installed it such that the ridge sat on the chip and not in the gap... this lifted the heatsink off the core.
Bad design if you ask me... most heatsinks are flat on teh bottom.

 

[Bozo Galora]

not trying to flame here, but if the CPU was not marred before you installed it, it just about has to be user error.

 

[SteelCityFan]

I never buy OEM CPU's. Just not worth it. From looking at Newegg.com, going OEM saved you a whopping $8. Not a wise move.

 

[Budman]

Cpus just dont burn themselves out on their own,you must have installed it incorrectly.plain & simple.

 

[Adul]

at least you didnt throw water on it.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Uh... I bought a "new" CPU and "new" motherboard from Newegg and got two used products. The motherboard was toast, but I'm still using the CPU and am not willing to RMA it (even if I could). Too bad to hear about the monetary loss...

nik