Observing a chipped CPU die through a microscope reveals its damaged structure and irregularities.

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Observing a chipped CPU die through a microscope reveals its damaged structure and irregularities.

_Mishie_
Member

202

02-19-2016, 06:45 AM

A dead i7-4790K was purchased from someone attempting a repair. After examination, forum members discovered the CPU die is cracked in the upper right area. Farewell, my small gamble!

_Mishie_

02-19-2016, 06:45 AM #1

A dead i7-4790K was purchased from someone attempting a repair. After examination, forum members discovered the CPU die is cracked in the upper right area. Farewell, my small gamble!

CriticalNoodle
Junior Member

02-19-2016, 08:13 AM

Could the damage have occurred because the connections were on a different layer? That might explain why the chip wasn't affected.

CriticalNoodle

02-19-2016, 08:13 AM #2

Could the damage have occurred because the connections were on a different layer? That might explain why the chip wasn't affected.

Brooke143
Member

02-19-2016, 04:52 PM

Unlikely. Socket A had a reputation for silicon fractures and cracks. SOI wafers tend to hold up well. The CPU core sits at the base of the CPU board.

Brooke143

02-19-2016, 04:52 PM #3

Unlikely. Socket A had a reputation for silicon fractures and cracks. SOI wafers tend to hold up well. The CPU core sits at the base of the CPU board.

Saiizar
Junior Member

02-26-2016, 07:23 AM

I was considering the same but unsure what to do since it doesn't post and seems to barely activate. Probably because the board detected a fault—likely due to excessive thermal paste applied by the previous owner. When I replaced it, the resistors near the CPU got damaged. The chip appears compressed at 200x magnification, and I've seen worse examples before. This CPU seems particularly problematic, almost like a spoiled baby. The visual of the chip is similar to what you described; if anyone thinks it might be different, let me know.

Saiizar

02-26-2016, 07:23 AM #4

JustVanilla
Member

100

02-27-2016, 10:46 PM

I’m not sure if it’s truly gone, but I don’t believe this was the sole reason for its demise.

JustVanilla

02-27-2016, 10:46 PM #5

I’m not sure if it’s truly gone, but I don’t believe this was the sole reason for its demise.