This single square stands out from the rest.
This single square stands out from the rest.
The issue you're describing could be related to the CPU overheating. The part you noticed on the back of the CPU pins being hot suggests it was indeed struggling with heat. Adding a new CPU fan might help, but it's also possible the cooling system isn't sufficient. Checking the fan speed and ensuring proper airflow can make a difference.
They're unoccupied solder pads, not CPU pins. Usually this is filled to the brim with extra capacitors to help the motherboard with voltage regulation, though there are a couple low-end boards that leave them completely unfilled, and judging by the brown PCB its likely you have only of them. It's very normal for solder pads to have uneven finishes, there's nothign to worry about there.
Oh yeah, the fan isn't the problem, it's the thing the fan goes on, heatsink I think, you use these clips which hopefully are broken and don't normally do this, but the heatsink is loose, so I guess the thermalpaste has no effect when the heatsink gets released from it. Other CPU coolers use screws like mine, so they basically get tightly screwed down and the block thing shouldn't be loose. My mom probably wants me to get a quiet fan still, maybe a cheap noctua cooler is good? I'm thinking about using this one https://se.pcpartpicker.com/product/xxph...ler-nh-l9i This is the build https://se.pcpartpicker.com/list/qtV7L9
The system seems unstable and not communicating properly with the CPU. This could cause thermal throttling, which is a serious issue. Many users favor Noctua coolers like the Cooler Master Thermaltake, but your motherboard is likely outdated and may fail soon. It might be wise to consider replacing it all at once.
It functions flawlessly at the moment, aside from the CPU cooler—it’s not necessary for heavy tasks. Regarding the fan, should I recommend Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120?