Tried to install heatsink. Might have shorted my computer. PSU still works! Mobo dead?

pkim1230 · Oct 11, 2016

I installed hyper 212 evo heatsink on my 1150 mobo with i5 4460. Applied new thermal paste. I also had to move the side fan a bit lower due to the size of the heatsink, i added two extra fans on the top and bottom. So basically, I did a lot of stuff before closing the case and trying to turn it on.

Now when i tried to turn it on, it wouldnt respond. Nothing.
After many attempts and turning on the PSU with the switch, I heard some sort of a tiny "tizch" sound from the PSU. So I tried a different working PSU on the computer and still didn't respond. I tried the "tizch" sounding PSU on a working machine, and that boot up just fine!! So PSU has not shorted.
Is my mobo the problem then?
Should I reseat the cpu? Maybe I applied too much thermal paste and is leaking and causing a short?? No idea.
Any suggestions would be thankful

greens · Oct 11, 2016

Nothing like that sounds right. What happens when you start the PC from the motherboard jumper? Still nothing? You have the 24 pin and the 4+4 pin plugged into the motherboard?

If there is even a thought of too much paste you probably did use too much paste but it wouldn't behave like that, certainly not a short - that area is void of components.

pkim1230 · Oct 11, 2016

greens :

I tried jumping just now and it doesn't work. Also, I took the power switch from a working computer and tried it, and still no response. I have both 24pin and 8pin plugged in. I also tried plugging in the 4pin in the 8pin slot of the mobo, and that didn't work as well.

Starting with a X-shape, then I spread that evenly and thinly to coat the entire CPU.

Most likely it is a static problem because I had to remove the whole motherboard from the case to install the heatsink.
I may have been careless. I've already ruled out that the PSU is not the problem, so what are my next steps? Replace/reset CMOS?
Thanks.

tsnor · Oct 11, 2016

remove all components one at a time trying to get the PC to post.

Pull all disk cables (signal and power). Does it POST ?

pull the video card... does it just sit there, or will it power up and beep "no video"

pull the memory... dead or power up and beep no memory

double check the 4/8 pin and 24-pin are connected, but after swapping PSUs pretty sure you got that.

pull the mb from the case, put on non-conducting surface like your bed or cardboard box. with just the CPU, CPU fan, MB and PSU will it POST? If not it's the CPU, MB or PSU. You've swapped the PSU and it's never the CPU so you know to replace the MB. See if its under warranty.

If you think its the MB then look for any spilled thermal grease, wipe it up with a coffee filter paper dipped in rubbing alcohol.

gl

greens · Oct 12, 2016

pkim1230 :

That sounds like way too much paste. You want metal on metal contact, the paste just fills in low spots, prevents air gaps, and fills in cracks on molecular level. Think something the size of a grain of rice. When smashed by the pressure of the heatsink, it spreads out all on its own! Spreading it introduces air bubbles and dust from the air, not a good idea.

How did you rule out it being the power supply?

It's really hard to short out modern components. People act like it's easy and dangerous but in reality very very very few problems from static actually come up.

How did you rule out the PSU?

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

greens :

Well I have second computer that works fine.
So I have two PSU's. Both of them works to turn on the secondary computer.
So the questionable PSU is fine.
I tried the methods provided in this thread, and none of the worked. I did the breadboarding, resetting cmos, cmos battery out for 5 min, jumping the computer, jumping the cmos reset, none of it helped.
It's hard to believe but I must've shorted it while installing the heatsink.
The installation of the heatsink forces me to remove the mobo from the case completely. I must've touched something...

As for the thermal paste issue, I lifted up the heatsink and the thermal paste didn't leak. I put very thin layer and it was almost perfect.

Koka Biel · Oct 12, 2016

You should follow tsnor advice.

When looking for a solution remove all variables one by one. Remove all disks, remove memory, graphics card..etc etc.

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

Koka Biel :

I skipped all that and went straight to breadboarding with just the cpu, and ram and it didn't work.
I was planning on going the reverse direction to 'add' components but didnt even power on from the start.

Koka Biel · Oct 12, 2016

Well, if you have removed all variables and it still won't even begin to start, then I would use a multi-meter and check the individual leads of the Mb power connector. (Assuming of course you have satisfied the power requirements of the Mb) If indeed the connector 24+4 or what have you is plugged in, and each individual lead is giving out what the Mb pin requires in power etc, then I would have to assume it is the MB. It would be very odd if this happened from the handling you describe, I mean sure back in the day I used to wear a static bracelet and was careful as crap in much older computers, but newer components..well I've seen them treated a number of ways with no negative consequences, not saying there couldn't be or you shouldn't endeavor to avoid possible consequences..just odd.

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

Koka Biel :

Yeah, it's very hard to believe that I shorted it. That's why I've been testing it out all night.
Reminder that this was a working computer, and I was only trying to change the stock cpu heatsink with the hyper 212 heatsink. ALso, there is no need for a multi-meter testing because I tried the PSU on another computer and it turned on.
So it's definitely something to do with the mobo. I'm going to try to install the stock fan back on it to see if that helps..

Koka Biel · Oct 12, 2016

Are the two motherboards identical motherboards that you plugged the PSU into, because it powering a totally different motherboard might not necessarily mean that it is not for instance putting out power on a pin, that is required in your other setup. Chances are unlikely, but with a tester you can make sure real quick for absolute certain. (also one assumes you plugged in the 4 pin power connector back to the MB for your new cooler)

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

Koka Biel :

I will order a tester online tomorrow. What if there is current flow? Are there options to proceed to fix it?
ALso I just tried to turn it on with a stock heatsink and tried to use the second computer's PSU:
when I put the power in and turned it on, it made an almost unnoticeable buzz sound from near the CPU. It was like a tiny mosquito is there, but the pitch is low.
What does this mean? hope?

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

One reason that the mobo doesnt work anymore might be because when I was installing the heatsink, I had to install a bracket that holds the heatsink. I used a power drill to get these bracket in place firmly via 4 spacers. Maybe this ruined those areas where the spacers are pressed against the motherboard. Maybe?

Koka Biel · Oct 12, 2016

Using a drill to attach something to a motherboard can easily over-torque screws and damage the pcb, or cause unneeded pin/pad contact, there are a number of things that can damage the board when it comes to over torquing screws especially with heatsinks in such a sensitive area with a decent number of traces. Without seeing it for myself, I would say you have likely hit the cause of your errors, and it has little to do with the heatsink..psu, or otherwise, and more to due with potential damage caused by over torquing of screws, mounts or the cooler itself.

pkim1230 · Oct 12, 2016

Koka Biel :

I was just focused on installing the heavy heatsink to be stable.
Also I didn't think it would damage the motherboard, considering that's where the heatsink was supposed to be installed anyway!
I purchased a new motherboard, Asus H81m-k.

pkim1230 · Oct 13, 2016

FINAL UPDATE!!: The motherboard is working again.
The pins on the mobo's cpu slot was faulty. a few pins were bent. i had to take a magnifying glass to pry back two of them into proper position and now everything works. god damn.. im cancelling the order for the new motherboard.. Thanks everyone. This was the 'solution'.

Koka Biel · Oct 13, 2016

That was likely caused due to over-torqueing on the heatsink

Pin/Pad issues.

pkim1230 · Oct 13, 2016

Koka Biel :

Ah, you are probably right! I am happy though.

Tried to install heatsink. Might have shorted my computer. PSU still works! Mobo dead?

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