issue: computer built from leftovers

[sanyok]

ok I built it, but this is what happened:

when I tried to remove a heatsing off my old computer (to be used with the new mini-atx setup we're talking about), the heatsink got removed together with the CPU glued to it. The da*ned paste made the CPU and heatsink one solid structure(!). Nevertheless, I disatached the CPU from the heatsink, but the CPU was damaged: tsome pins were bent, so I straightened them up, but one pin (the corner pin) broke off (kaput). So it's one-less pin on that CPU, plus a bloody-bent pins.
.
.
Nevertheless, I got the CPU in, installed heatsink, built a computer and it worked (installed windows then on).

questions:

1. Comment on the situation. I want to know what happened, and what will be...
2. Comment on the properties of a CPU with a pin missing: what, how, why, when...
3. conclude on the situation: should I replace the CPU, should I keep it...

[loki]

Thermal paste does harden when there is no heat being generated by the CPU. This happened to me a while ago, although I got lucky and there was no damage ot the processor or motherboard. I used a hair drier to heat up the CPU and paste enough that it slid right off.

As to how the missing pin will affect things, it depends. If the pin is used for communication with RAM, you could get data errors for example. This may show up right away, or may not show for a while.

As it does seem to be running, you might get away with it. I wouldn't use it for anything critical though, or count on it being very reliable. Download Memtest86+ and see how the computer does.

loki

[sanyok]

thanks loki, will do a memtest86 for you to evaluate :)

whatta blow up, eh? whatta blow up! a 3.0!

the other question I had, a minot one compared to one abve, is how and what video drivers to install? doesn't look like there are drivers installed, screen waves like a see surface.

[loki]

The Memtest86 will let you know if there are any errors, or your computer will crash in the process.

Video drivers for integrated video should be included in the motherboard drivers. If you have Intel Extreme graphics, you could try searching Intel's site.

[sanyok]

thank you,

ok we'll see when we come home...

[loki]

You will need to create a boot disk for the Memtest program. There are ones already create and saved on the site as ISO images that can be burned to a CD.

http://www.memtest.org/

loki

[sanyok]

I'm going to have to leave it until friday, very tired.
I have to unplug all the cables off my computer and use it for the mini-ATX one.
The mini-ATX will be a "stand-by" computer, disconnected and unplugged most of the time.

Here's a problem with my main computer, the same identical problem I had with the old one, (might be a monitor): I have a transparent-green stripe over the right hand side of the monitor, one-eighth of my monitor is green. Restarting doesn't help. It's either there, or it's not. Most of the time it's not there, today is the first time I see it on the new computer. I remember a long ago, I made this green stripe disappear by doing something in the display settings... absolutely do not remember what the heck I did back then.
Let's kill one more monster :)

[sanyok]

silly me, I had to shut off the monitor and turn it back again.

[sanyok]

I'd still like to know what causes the green stripe on the screen (?)

[loki]

If it's happening with more than one computer, I would say there is something wrong with the monitor itself. Maybe there is an electrical wire running nearby, or someother source of electro-magnetic interference. You could try degaussing it (should be an option in the monitor controls).

loki