Pin on LGA 1200 bent (rises while others stay diagonal)
Pin on LGA 1200 bent (rises while others stay diagonal)
THE IMAGES AREN'T PARTICULARLY CLEAR AND IT'S A BIT CHALLENGING TO VIEW BUT I'LL ATTEMPT TO RECAP IT. THE PROBLEM INVOLVED A QUALITY ISSUE WITH THE DISPLAY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE WELL. I OVERLOOKED THE HAIR IN THE SOCKET, WHICH EMERGED AFTER OTHER PROBLEMS. ONE OF THE LOWER-RIGHT PINS IN THE SOCKET WAS PROTRUDING UPWARDS, UNLIKE THE OTHERS THAT WERE AT AN ANGLE. SO I decided to proceed with changing the thermal paste (just kidding, it was hilarious). A small amount spilled onto the socket but didn't reach the pins; online sources suggested it was generally okay as long as it stayed away from the motherboard (which I assumed was a PCB). I went ahead and powered on the PC, and everything worked smoothly—temperatures dropped noticeably. I even played a game without issues.
Next, I tried fixing an XMP setting problem. I experimented with various RAM configurations in the slots, but eventually encountered a RAM error where the CPU and RAM lights flashed on the motherboard. I attempted to boot with just one stick, which succeeded, but 8 GB was considered too much for a beginner. I kept trying different RAM combinations, but eventually got a boot error. The screen remained stuck on the boot menu with options to flash BIOS or enter BIOS, neither resolved.
Then I removed the SSD and reinstalled it. After that, a CPU error appeared. I tried playing again with the RAM, but it didn't help much. I thought the leftover thermal paste might have caused the issue and decided to remove the CPU to clean the socket thoroughly. While cleaning, I accidentally bent one pin out of alignment—its pins were arranged diagonally, and one wasn't. Gently touching the pin made it protrude upward. I was wondering what to do next.
This occurred with my initial setup (another LGA 1200 board) while I was assembling it. I became quite concerned, but I just tried A and hoped for the best. What I heard is that it turned on normally even with only one pin, and even if the pin was bent, there was no damage. It seems safe to attempt it despite the issue.
As mentioned, there are pins on the CPU that aren't in use. If you're concerned, use a scalpel to straighten them—like an Exacto knife. You can find them at any hobby store. For better visibility, use your phone as a magnifier, or just the knife itself. No one will guarantee it works if you ask someone else to fix it. Unless they replace the socket, but there are plenty of videos showing how to straighten bent pins—there are many options available.
If the pin is incorrect, that’s fine. Bent pins tend to sit at an angle and won’t touch anything unless they’re reshaped into another pin. Because it’s already bent, handle it gently and straighten it carefully. If you’re unsure, ask someone to assist or replace the board. Straightening it is a more affordable solution.
Consensus reached. The issue seems straightforward—just adjust the position back to its correct spot and check the pin's tip. Ensure it aligns with the pattern others display; if so, proceed. You don’t need to reposition it precisely back to its original pin height relative to the pin’s orientation. Aim for a slight elevation rather than a flat match, as this helps maintain proper contact with the CPU. No need for an exacto knife; a blunt, trimmed toothpick works just as well. If uncertain, have someone experienced handle the adjustment.