Several weeks ago I ordered a whole new set of hardware and started my new build. After putting the rig together, I tried booting, but the CPU wouldn't POST and the computer started an infinite reboot loop. I tried everything I knew to troubleshoot (the case didn't come with a system speaker, so I have no idea what (if any) the error codes are), and finally just took the whole rig apart again. After unseating the CPU (Intel i5) I noticed two of the pins on the motherboard CPU socket were bent backwards underneath all the others. I don't know how this could happen, and stupidly I didn't check the pins before I seated the CPU the first time around. After trying to get Newegg to RMA, they sent it back to me citing "customer error".
Fast forward to today. My motherboard just arrived back from Newegg and I decided that since I can't get it RMA'd I'll try to fix the pins myself. I used a needle and carefully bent the pins into the correct direction and re-seated the CPU. I took the CPU back off immediately and checked to make sure there were indentions in all the correct pads. There were. Thinking I had fixed the problem I mounted the motherboard in the case and tried to power up. Again, no POST and an infinite loop of the computer starting to power on only to immediately power off and start over.
So, what do I do now? Is there a way to tell whether it's my motherboard that's fried? Or a way to tell if it's my CPU? I'm almost positive it isn't the power supply: I tried my old one from my previous build and it exhibits the same problems.
A list of the hardware in question:
- Antec 300 ATX Mid Tower
- Cooler Master GX 750W RS750-ACAAE3-US
- Gigabyte GA-Z68M-D2H LGA 1155 Intel Z68
- Intel i5-2500K 3.3GHz
- G.Skill Ripjaws (2 x 4GB)
Any suggestions? Am I SOL? I saved for months to buy this rig and I don't think I have enough to replace both the mobo and the CPU. Thanks for the help.
Fast forward to today. My motherboard just arrived back from Newegg and I decided that since I can't get it RMA'd I'll try to fix the pins myself. I used a needle and carefully bent the pins into the correct direction and re-seated the CPU. I took the CPU back off immediately and checked to make sure there were indentions in all the correct pads. There were. Thinking I had fixed the problem I mounted the motherboard in the case and tried to power up. Again, no POST and an infinite loop of the computer starting to power on only to immediately power off and start over.
So, what do I do now? Is there a way to tell whether it's my motherboard that's fried? Or a way to tell if it's my CPU? I'm almost positive it isn't the power supply: I tried my old one from my previous build and it exhibits the same problems.
A list of the hardware in question:
- Antec 300 ATX Mid Tower
- Cooler Master GX 750W RS750-ACAAE3-US
- Gigabyte GA-Z68M-D2H LGA 1155 Intel Z68
- Intel i5-2500K 3.3GHz
- G.Skill Ripjaws (2 x 4GB)
Any suggestions? Am I SOL? I saved for months to buy this rig and I don't think I have enough to replace both the mobo and the CPU. Thanks for the help.