somebody kick in the head, i think i killed my cpu

[Rivergater]

i just got a new cpu fan and was installing it when i clumsily got some thermal grease on parts of the cpu other than the die. now when i try to start my pc, it won't post so i think i killed it.
i have an older duron so its no big deal financially but what a pain in the butt.

i guess there is nothing else i can do but toss this one???

 

[zzzz]

you can always clean the cpu with isopropyl alcohol and see if boots. does it work with the duron? You might need a bios update for the newer cpu. Its also a good idea to clear cmos and try again.

To clean the cpu, just soap and water work great. Just be careful to dry it out completely before you put it in the mobo though. Also be careful around the core.

 

[Rivergater]

thanks! you're the man. i'll let you know if it works.

 

[Rivergater]

zzzz,
it worked! now my system is back up running, -- no problems!

thanks a lot. i owe you one.

 

[littlezipp]

<< zzzz,
it worked! now my system is back up running, -- no problems!

thanks a lot. i owe you one. >>

I did the same thing with an Athlon, Alcohol does wonders. You just have to make sure you let it dry first!