I scratched the motherboard a bit. Not sure if the traces are damaged.
I scratched the motherboard a bit. Not sure if the traces are damaged.
I tried cleaning and applying new paste and pads on my GPU. After finishing, I reassembled it with just the power supply connected and it started up. The CPU had a white LED indicating a possible issue. I replaced the motherboard and it worked, so I suspected the GPU itself might be the problem. I sent it in for repair and received an update today.
I noticed deep scratches on the copper layer, which were hard to see clearly. The repair shop couldn’t determine their depth and referred me to MSI. They told me they don’t perform repairs on items like this. I’m confused because the GPU is supposed to be durable with multiple layers of solder mask. It seems the scratches might have been caused by handling near the PCI pins during installation.
The device still started without the CPU, even without a red light or any indication of socket issues. I’d also like to know if there’s a way to identify which PCB traces are responsible for what, since I have schematics but they don’t seem helpful.
The issue isn't with any electrical tape. The solution involves removing a thin insulation layer over the traces using tools like a glass fiber pen or similar methods. Then, either connect with very fine wires or perform drag soldering to create solder bridges between the cut sections. If a trace is damaged, tape won't help because the conductors are too close together. There are at least seven parallel traces near the bottom of the board. It seems these relate to audio routing, directing signals to the front panel jacks. Audio work is likely behind the visible light strip on the board, which helps separate it from other components.
The item on the right side of your photo is likely the bottom side of the rear IO, which is probably the GPU's metal tab connecting between your motherboard and PC case. The part visible on the lower section of the picture. Of course, it’s also possible someone made a mistake. It would have been better to document it before you submitted it.
Thanks for your response! If MSI can't help me, I'll give it another shot. It's fascinating how the pararell orientation is noticeable. I'm curious whether those traces are responsible for preventing the module from posting with a CPU in, or if it's something RMA identified as the reason.
oh wow, thats brilliant advice. I will keep it in my mind from today on, thank you so much! and yeah, this could be it especially considering the direction the scratches are oriented.
It seems I struggle with complex schematics too. Sorry, I only understand that motherboards typically have 6 or more layers of PCB, which means there could be traces beneath some connections and possibly via holes. Maybe some members of this forum who know more can help later. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_(electronics) A via hole is like an underground passage for a PCB trace.