Bent cpu pins.

its always good to twist the heatsink before pulling! try aligning them strainght, unless they break you should be good.

The wisdom of the internets say you should always run a short stress test before removing the heatsink. But that's for next time.

For now, you should be able to carefully position the pins back using the tip end of an empty mechanical pencil.

Work slow, with a lot of light. The CPU isn't going anywhere, so there's no need to rush through it.

Don't be discouraged if you end up breaking a pin or four, some pins are redundant and you might still have a chance of salvaging a working processor.

If you do end up breaking so many pins that the processor is unworkable, there are hobbyists and repair shops that do pin replacements on these processors.

Whichever way this goes, there's no warranty left on that processor.

Its "pretty easy" you only need 3 things-- a regular or a bit longer sewing needle, lots of patience and a soft gentle hands to get the job done!

Angle the processor as close to your naked eye so that the pins are visible clearly. You can use a portable convex lens to get a better visibility. Using the needle first target the outer pins and slowly proceed to the inside ones. Be extremely gentle and very light, dont force or apply any stress. Even if the pins are not really 90 degree straight thats fine but should be close enough to fit in the socket.

Once you feel the pins are sufficiently leveled then try putting the proccy back in the socket, if its slides easily (which never happens in the initial try) the job is done else if its slightly struggling you may apply a lighter force to ensure the pins are in the holes while not actually bending any of the existing ones or newer pins.

Then lock the socket latch. Once in the socket, simply lock unlock the socket couple of times until you feel confident enough that everything's fine. This method also helps straighten the pins as if they weren't bent in the first place.
Remove the proccy out, observe the pins and slide it back and it should get in the socket naturally!

Inputs by me/my own expertise across experiences till date in successfully straightening bent pins on many processors across gens!

Ash.Das said:

Thanks for the answers. I have managed to somewhat straighten the pins, but the cpu doesn't fit the socket. One of the pins came off. Any inputs would be appreciated.

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If it doesn't fit , check the pins again from a couple of different angles to align them.
Take your time with it.

Put the processor on a flat surface (IHS facing down) rotate it in place and check for any pins out of place.

See if you can trace which broken pin it is.

Best case : it's an unused pin and you have a fully functional processor.
Second best case : working processor with limited functionality.


@Ash.Das see if you can source a socket cover (from a dead board preferably) to use as a guide to align the pins.

Ash.Das said:

Does this mean my processor is fully functional?

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Quite possible it'll work as is if it's just one of the ground pins.

Only one way to find out for sure.

Goodluck !

Find someone skilled enough at PCB / SMD level repairs who's precise and good at soldering should be able to put the pin in place.

Last year assembled a new PC with elitehubs *mumbai*
Motherboard pin was slightly bent, (though PC was working fine) got it replaced as it was new PC

Ash.Das said:

Is there any way to repair the broken pin? Any repair shops in India that can repair the broken pin? Thanks.


@Tobikage The broken pin is AJ27. Am I lucky? I have not even touched the processor after the pin came off. It's in the same spot since then

Edit: I found this online-


Does this mean my processor is fully functional?

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I dealt with this thing once during the almighty P4 era where the processor pin was broken. Literally somehow soldered the point with a normal paper pin and latched into the socket and never removed it. Worked like a charm for a few yrs and then the combo was also sold as is aka without removing the proccy from the socket.
So yes jugaad works but should be near to perfection else there's always a danger and risk of damaging or soldering surrounding pins in one bond rendering the proccy totally useless.

rsaeon said:

Whichever way this goes, there's no warranty left on that processor.

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Actually, if the pins are bent just enough to not fit into socket but not visible without a magnifying glass then depending on your service centre the warranty can be applied.