Thermalright clips + screwdriver = dead mobo?

Hi,

I was just in the process of installing a Thermalright xp-120 on my new DFI Lanparty motherboard when the screwdriver slipped off the clip and crushed a small resistor next to the CPU slot.

Now that I've calmed down and stopped throwing things I'm trying to decide what to do so I came here for some advice. Should I install everything and try it anyway? RMA it (although I doubt DFI would believe that I had received it in such a condition as it looks suspiciously like a botched heatsink install)? Or just put it down to experience and order another - not that I can really afford to do so but it looks like the only option?

Any advice gratefully received.

You could try installing the basics, but you may be better just buying a new one...

See if it works.

Physical damage is not usually covered by warranties. If the box is damaged you are supposed to return it before you even open it. If they won't notice the damage, you could RMA it.

The clips shouldn't of needed a screwdriver to get them to lock into place, mine were flexible as owt. You could try an install and see how it goes. Depending on how long you've had the motherboard DFI could well believe it was shipped that way, if you've had it for a week or two they might tell you to return it to the supplier.

The lesson to learn here is put a credit card under the area you're attacking with a screwdriver in case you slip.

I'd suggest powering up the board with nothing in it, see if it at least powers up. Depending on how it was designed it might kick up a fuss about not having a CPU install (through the system speaker) or just sit there.

Sometimes you can lose components and not have any issues manefest themselves, other times you lose the wrong one and cause stability issues, or stop it from functioning.

Kez - I've done what you suggested and the board powers up fine. Now I'm really not sure what to do. I'm worried about installing all the components again, particularly the cpu and ram, as I'm concerned that the motherboard in its current state might do something nasty to them. Any suggestions?

Edit: I've taken a picture of the socket and circled the damaged resistor (or whatever it is) so if anyone knows what purpose they serve and whether it would be a bad idea to install the components and test the mobo then please let me know.

http://img282.echo.cx/img282/7076/img02212ue.jpg

Thanks.

I dont think it can do anything to the cpu etc

I've done this myself twice m8.Both with asus a7n8x deluxe mobo's.Nearly £200 it cost me my wife was not pleased.the credit card solution is a excellent idea.As Grey M@a stated why use a screwdriver? I have a xp-90 and it takes no effort to pop it on and off !!! No need for a screwy what so ever.pretty expensive mistake to make tho. :(

I used a screwdriver because thats what the instructions that came with the xp-120 tell you to use. Plus I tried it with my fingers first and it was very stiff. Did your boards even boot up CrapshoT? Mine does and I'm just wondering what kind of damage I have actually done.

well if it aint broke dont fix it :D

(sorry for useless post) :p

I'm not sure if it ain't broke - I guess I'll have to install all the other components and see. Unfortunately I don't know enough about motherboards to know whether they can function properly with one of those little resistors/whatever being damaged.

There's a good chance that it will work. It's up to you whether you risk bunging the CPU in there and trying it though. I reckon the chance of it frying is tiny but nobody can give you any guarantee. If it were me I'd take the risk, but I do tend to gamble in situations like this:eek:.