System locked during memory assessment.
System locked during memory assessment.
You're trying to remove the cooler to inspect the CPU torque. The screws appear loose, and you can slightly move the cooler without it coming off completely. It seems the thermal paste seal is intact. To break it, you may need to carefully pry or use a specialized tool to separate the paste without damaging the components.
The second BIOS update didn’t work, so we’re still working on getting that cooler running.
I managed to complete it. Attached are some images. Are there any alignment problems visible? Did I apply too much thermal paste? I followed the instructions for X and 4 dots as shown in many videos. Could the paste at the edges be caused by shorting out some pins? I should probably remove the paste before opening the CPU assembly. I’ve been told to use alcohol—what kind of cloth should I use? Regular towels leave fibers, while microfiber can generate static.
The product includes a paste with the Noctua cooler; it might matter.
The thermal paste placement appears satisfactory. Many pastes do not conduct electricity well. Typically, I clean using a paper towel and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid acetone or nail polish remover.
I reviewed the images of the cleaned CPU and the accompanying components. No misplaced pins or sockets were visible. Using the camera, one section appeared slightly off, but adjusting the angle clarified it—likely due to lighting or reflections.
It seems like you're trying to identify a problem with your motherboard. You've already checked a few units and are unsure which one might be faulty. Since you're considering using a multimeter, you could test for continuity or voltage at specific ports to see if any components are loose or damaged. This might help narrow down what's wrong before proceeding with the return process.