Find Dead Z170 MOBO parts available for purchase or trade.
Find Dead Z170 MOBO parts available for purchase or trade.
You’re dealing with a tricky motherboard issue. The mounting plate was placed incorrectly, causing the radiator plate to press against exposed screws. The system is secured to a pegboard with twist ties, which likely contributed to the flexing and failure of fans and power delivery. Since you can’t test the CPU or video output, consider whether the problem stems from the board itself or another component. The TOSLINK port is essential for your surround setup, so prioritize finding a compatible replacement. If you decide to go used, look for a Z170 with a TOSLINK port for around $75 on eBay. Alternatively, opt for a new Z390 and add a sound card with TOSLINK later if needed. Avoid purchasing a board with an outdated socket if possible, especially since you have other devices like a server and laptop. If you upgrade later, you won’t need to worry about the socket when adding a sound card. Let me know if you’d like help comparing options or sourcing parts.
Consider the 100-series or 200-series chipset boards. Avoid the 300-series unless you intend to upgrade your CPU. A 300 chipset won't function properly. If you're not overclocking, you might find a 100/200 board at a lower cost than a Z board. Which CPU model are you running?
I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. I’m using an i5 6600K and have been testing my setup. Right now I’m running with undervolting and keeping the system mostly idle. It’s quiet except for a little hum from the motherboard. I still want the option to overclock later. I attempted to add my system details to my profile and linked the pcpartpicker list in my signature, but I’m not sure if it shows up.