Air cooler scratch

[MrRX7]

I just installed an aftermarket cpu air cooler and the standoffs have dug into my motherboard... is it buggered?

[MrRX7]

@marto all four corners...

[MrRX7]

It looks like there is tracks / traces running through @marto

[MrRX7]

@marto i don't know if it has damaged anything. how will i know?

[MrRX7]

@marto. i ment if a trace is cut what will happen when i start my computer?

[TheProfosist]

Usually there isnt anything easily breakable right near the socket minus the socket it self for good reason, so you should be fine. Next time try not to torque it to hard as it just has to be tight enough to hold everything, no need to put indentations into the PCB. Finger tight is usually a good amount as you know your most likely not crushing anything.

[MrRX7]

@Volbet

[MrRX7]

@marto @TheProfosist well the rig is running, nothing seems abnormal, i pulled it off before putting everything back in the case and there were a few tracks / traces running straight through the grinded / cut bit.....

[Volbet]

If the rig is running then you haven't cut a trace. As already stated the area around the CPU is not that vulnerable due to the fact that people will install aftermarket coolers. The only way you can possibly break it, is if you use a powered screwdriver to overtighten the mounting or if you break the PCB by weighing down on the CPU cooler.

[MrRX7]

@marto what should i look for?

 

@Volbet i pushed too hard and the standoffs dug into the mobo.... all 4

[Volbet]

@marto what should i look for?

 

@Volbet i pushed too hard and the standoffs dug into the mobo.... all 4

What CPU cooler are you using? Since your system is running it is safe to say that you haven't cut any traces. 

[MrRX7]

@Volbet can I test my cpu to see if it is fine? I got the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

[Volbet]

@Volbet can I test my cpu to see if it is fine? I got the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

You can try to stress test it with Intel Extreme Tuning Utility. But in all my experience, if you cut a trace near the CPU, your computer won't start at all.

[MrRX7]

ok thanks @Volbet

[MrRX7]

how long should I stress test for? so this time tomorrow night do it? if so why 24hrs?

[TheProfosist]

how long should I stress test for? so this time tomorrow night do it? if so why 24hrs?

I think he was saying you would wait 24hrs to stress test it but I personally dont see any reason to wait.

People say 24hrs usually mostly for if your your going to be running you pc for long periods under full load. Also another reason is that as popular as arctic silver is it takes a 16-18hr burn in to cure usually from my experience. Since it was the most popular compound for quite some time people adapted their burn ins to it.

Just a reminder to those curing their thermal paste remember after the burn it needs to cool down and cure so dont go right in and game or do something process intensive if you can avoid it.