Failed to remove CPU from cooler due to hardware failure.
Failed to remove CPU from cooler due to hardware failure.
While trying to replace thermal paste, I accidentally lifted the CPU (Ryzen 7 3700X) out with the cooler. Existing paste had turned solid. Tried to pry it off with the help of some heat and a knife, but it ended up flying off and landed on the floor. Happened to have a macro camera on hand, so here's the damage: Looks absolutely mangled, so I'm guessing there's nothing I can do to fix it. Won't boot. Suggestions?
Mistaken move. Unfortunate. It’s gone, Jim. Here’s some guidance on using solidified paste—no urgent need to stop, just run the machine on for a few minutes to warm it up and aid later removal.
Absolutely, it looks like all the pins are aligned correctly, but the outer edge of the PCB is damaged.
It’s already over; just aim to fix or improve that spot. No matter what happens, at least try to get it working again.
I left the PC running for an hour and a half before shutting it down and taking off the cooler. It’s hard to say exactly what happened. It’s possible the thermal paste hardened because it was quite old. You might want to consider getting a new CPU then. Appreciate the tip!
I'll give it a shot and let me know how it goes. Appreciate your support!
Just realized that when I reinserted the CPU to test if it was functioning (it didn’t come up), I hadn’t put the cooler back on, which could have caused the issue—so it might not be dead after all. I’m planning to use the exactoknife to gently separate those components from the motherboard and mount CPU with the cooler again, keeping everyone informed.