I was trying to replace my stock cpu fan for an arctic cooling freezer 64 pro because of heat issues. After struggling to get the new fan in, the computer started up to no avail. When it starts, it receives a monitor signal, but no picture whatsoever (black screen). All of my fans are working including the newly installed one, but on the first start up i could smell something burning. I quickly turned off the pc and proceeded to insall the old fan and see if that would help...no luck. My question is, what are the symptoms of a blown cpu, or is there anyway I can have this checked out before I go out and drop $250 on a new one. p.s. I'm not sure but when installing the cpu back in the socket, it might have been put in backwards the first time...i don't believe this is the case but it could have easily been overlooked due to my inexperience and stupidity....
Thanks for the quick responses. As for the bent pins, yes there were a few (which i know is aweful) but i did my best with a magnifying glass and cpu tweezers to straighten them out. All of the pins are now straight and there aren't any broken pins or pins that are jammed down. As far as the thermal paste goes, there is still some on the old heatsink as well as plenty on the new one. Would a lack of paste cause the computer to not bootup properly as it has been, or is the burning smell solid indication that the cpu is a goner. Thank you so much for the help and advice guys.
smell the cpu because of the bent pins which probably touched the other pins you prabably fried the cpu & maybe more.
Lack of paste will not cause it not to boot up but it could be the cause of the smell. You might have to take it in someplace to have it checked out. If you do, tell them exactly what you did. Good luck!
Can anybody recommend a certain place to take the computer in. I have a fry's electronics and CompUSA right next to me. Also, what else could I have messed up in the process along with my CPU just so I know what to expect.
just to be clear, the system does turn on, but blank screen right? I would recommend swapping some of the parts inside the system with known-good components, that way you will easily figure out which piece was the culpret
SomeGuy24, i guess you didn't read the thread fully as he said he could smell something burning & he had some bent pins on the cpu so more likely fried the cpu.
I agree with ddp. Be careful when installing CPU fans...don't apply pressure directly to the fan when installing, just clip in one side, then the other. Never re-use the thermal paste from an old fan/cpu..always start fresh. You can clean the surface of the cpu with a cotton cloth, and 99% isopropyl alcohol (cotton swabs work wonders too and do this with the power off and don't douse it either!). Oh,....and make sure ya take off that thin plastic film they like to use to protect the fans surface.
