Is it safe to swap CPUs? What thermal paste to get for it?

Astralv · Jun 1, 2016

Hey guys

My one year old build failed and I need to attempt to reinstall the CPU (take it out, look at it and put it back in). I may have to test it on another working system- I have two builds with Asus motherboards and Intel 4770K processors. I am considering to take CPU from broken system and place it in place of good working CPU and see if that system would boot. I am not happy to open 2 CPUs and also risk my working build for testing- don't know how else I can test the CPU- open for suggestions.

If we agree that it is safe to swap the CPUs, I will need to re-apply thermal paste on both systems. When I built them, I used stock CPU fan that came with processor and did not apply any paste at all. Now, if I have to remove it- is there anything I need to clean off the CPU before apply new paste and reinstall?

What is the best paste I can get ASAP (Newegg, Amazon)? Thank you.

USAFRet · Jun 1, 2016

What leads you to believe that one or the other CPU is actually bad?
That is very, very rare.

DeadlyDays · Jun 1, 2016

typically the only issue you might run into is the existing thermal paste between cpu and heatsink has become similar to concrete and you damage the cpu trying to separate it from the heatsink.

rubbing alcohol or something else that dries quickly without residue and isn't corrosive is recommended for cleaning off thermal paste.
otherwise nothing else I can think of that would be wrong with swapping them as you laid out.

But I agree with USAF that cpu failure is rare.

Astralv · Jun 1, 2016

Hey, USAFret

Because I ran out of options. Glad to get your attention to my problem- I posted initialy under the systems and the traffic there is too high to solve any serious issues. But in general- I was recommended to "bench" it. If you don't mind to look at my original thread and see what you think is going on, I would be greatly appreciative as I am in distress over this situation. Opening my studio music computer or my main work computer is not something I am taking lightly. Here is the thread: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3070994/hope-cpu-dead.html#xtor=EPR-8809

I did not apply any paste when installed, only factory pre-applied.

USAFRet · Jun 1, 2016

Reading from your earlier:
Breadboard it with the absolute minimum parts

1 stick of RAM, etc.
Multiple slots.

I'm not convinced this is a CPU issue.

Astralv · Jun 1, 2016

I have tried to take all parts out and leave only motherboard, CPU and- well... when 8 Gb (2X4) installed, the fans run, the lights on motherboard blinking between CPU and Memory, the motherboard display running numbers in circle, none of them error number. If I insert only 4 Gb memory, it does the same but actually restarts over and over and over. If I take memory from another computer (8Gb), it restarts over and over and over. I did tested PSU- only one unused wire, and it gave me 12V and 5V, so the PSU is probably ok. I did take out the graphics card- no changes. Would it make any difference if I actually take the motherboard out of the case? Yes, I can undo the PSU from another computer but it is time consuming and likely not PSU issue. I can get a memory from 3rd computer (I have 3 builds). Can it be the memory slots themselves? Should I buy new motherboard? What do I do? Thank you.

Geek Jed · Jun 1, 2016

hi Astralv, if your pc is restarting over and over because of memory, its probably because either the memory isn't inserted right or bad mem. If you got display, then its safe to say its not the cpu.

Astralv · Jun 1, 2016

The memory was used from another working computer, it is not likely that all memory is bad. I do not get the monitor, I get motherboard display numbers- just a small display with red numbers running indicating what processes initiated and completed. It supposed to give error code when there is a problem but it would not give any errors. No signal to monitor. Will try again after I unplug all USBs and SATA...

Astralv · Jun 1, 2016

I have tried it again with RipJaw and Corsair memory- the same behavior- restarts in loop.

I guess I will be taking it out of the case, and then if that does not solve it, buy new motherboard... and then new processor...

Do you know if Z97 MoBo would work with 4770k?

Thermal paste?

Astralv · Jun 2, 2016

I spoke with Asus (motherboard division). The technician told me to take out CMOS battery and see what happens and then if it does not help- they will take it for repair. After I took the CMOS out and put it back, nothing changed, except now all sticks of memory act the same- no loop restart- computer stays ON, numbers running, leds flashing. no video. One of the numbers that is flashing is 58, which reads as "CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error." There other numbers flashing and some of them involve CPU errors, but no number is staying long enough.

I have no choice as to send the Motherboard out. This will force me to take out the CPU. If I want to re-insert it to check if it gets some how better- do I need a thermal paste? Can I just open, remove it and place it back without any paste?

The guy was encouraging me to test the CPU, but I don't want to open my working system for testing. When they mail me back working Motherboard, I guess, I will find out. I guess- I will need thermal paste then?

Thank you.

tecnic08 · Jun 2, 2016

No, I really do not recommend installing a CPU without a thermal paste. You could order a thermal paste from amazon or go get some from your local computer store.

I have heard that toothpaste also works if you really really need to install a cpu and have it for a quick run. Try youtube for that.

DeadlyDays · Jun 2, 2016

I still use artic silver 5 thermal paste, which was the goto several years ago. There are better pastes now though I'm sure, but if you see artic silver 5 it should work great. you only need a very small amount too, like a grain of rice as they say.

Astralv · Jun 5, 2016

Wow! It POST!!!!

I took it out of the case and it posted. Asking for a boot device now. "Bench it works!" I was resisting to take it out of the case but when I did- it works! Soo exciting.

So what does it mean? Does it mean- the case shorts it some how? Do I need a new case? I also had a fan connected before I took it out of the case...

Sorry if you see this post in more than one thread- I had few threads asking different questions and now updating everybody as it is really encouraging news.
One more thing... there is a connector that connects the case power button to the motherboard- the power switch. Can it be an issue? That would make sense as the computer malfunctioned when the power was pressed, so if this is the power connector pins on the motherboard... Now I have it disconnected and powering it by pressing the power button on the motherboard. Does it makes any sense?

USAFRet · Jun 5, 2016

Astralv :

I would guess some improper assembly when it was in the case.

InvalidError · Jun 5, 2016

Astralv :

You need to triple-check that you don't have extraneous motherboard mounting studs on the case's motherboard tray and that you don't have metal bits from the IO shield or other case components poking into connectors. You also need to make sure you don't have power connectors and cables near pokey bits that could short them out either.

Another thing you can do is plug in things one at a time and try booting in-between. If the computer quits booting, then you know that the last bit you plugged in should be the most likely cause and needs further investigation.

Astralv · Jun 5, 2016

USAFRet :

Except- it worked for 2 years...

I know now exactly what is wrong. It is a place where the wires from the power button on the case connect to the motherboard. Now I have to figure out if it is the case wires shortage or if it is a shortage on the motherboard pins. I have a feeling that these are the pins on the motherboard, not the wires on the case. How would I test it? Thank you.

Astralv · Jun 5, 2016

I know now exactly what is wrong. It is a place where the wires from the power button on the case connect to the motherboard. Now I have to figure out if it is the case wires shortage or if it is a shortage on the motherboard pins. I have a feeling that these are the pins on the motherboard, not the wires on the case. How would I test it? Thank you.

Astralv · Jun 5, 2016

Ok, I am able to start it with the screw driver, which, to me, means- it is not the motherboard but the case wires or switch.

The switch is molded in to the top of the case. I don't think I can replace the case. Any other way to figure out what is wrong with the wiring, or do I need a new case? This is my case. Can not find official web site- must of got renamed or went out of business... http://www.ebay.com/itm/ULTRA-ETORQUE-X4-MID-TOWER-GAMING-CASE-3-5-25-BAY-USB-3-0-120MM-FANS-/321715142494

InvalidError · Jun 5, 2016

Astralv :

If the computer works fine by simply leaving the power button switch wire unplugged, then the only other thing you can do about the switch is removing the cable and switch to examine them for obvious issues you might be able to fix.

Astralv · Jun 5, 2016

They are nothing but the wires- who knows how it makes the motherboard to freak out.

Is it safe to swap CPUs? What thermal paste to get for it?

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