No signal after reseating CPU fan/heat sink

[potatocrisps]

Hello,

So after having software problems and posting it in the BSOD crashes and Debugging forum, I encountered a new hardware problem, so I'v been redirected to this forum for further assistance. The following link is my original thread:

http://www.eightforums.com/bsod-crashes-debugging/63292-bsod-after-windows-8-1-pro-reinstall.html

Also, here is my last post from that thead:

Okay so I did as you said, checked every connector and reseating the heatsink/fan of the CPU. I also moved the case fan from the bottom front (where it was when I got the case) to the top, at the back. I turned it around so it will suck the hot air out of the case.

But now I've got a new problem: when I connected my PC to my monitor via DVI, I didn't get a signal... Sometimes the monitor would light up a little but then it went dark again. I tested it on my graphic card and onboard, both not working. I also tested a TV on HDMI, again onboard and on the graphics card, but nevertheless it didn't work.
Then I checked inside the case during startup, and all the fans and leds were working. I also heard a beep, but I'm not sure if that's the particular startup beep or something else, because when I restarted the PC without the onboard speaker connected, I still heard a beep... Also, when I open de DVD drive, it closes right away, and the case fan seems to not spin on the right speed and sometimes even really slow.

I'm pretty sure It hasn't anything to do with my PSU, because I replaced that recently. I tested the RAM and HDD/SSD without issues so I don't think that's the problem either.
What I also should mention is that I once did a failed BIOS update from destkop with MSI Live Update, but my BIOS did boot again so i had the chance to do a update from the BIOS itself. Maybe it could be that it still did some damage to my motherboard?

I hope someone can help me, because in the future I will need my PC for some school work, and I don't want to use the crappy old mac from my parents

 

[alphanumeric]

When you reseated the CPU fan did you clean off the old thermal past and apply new past?. If yes, were you careful not to apply too much? CPU fan plugged back into the correct connector? On some motherboards, fi the CPU fan fails it will not boot up. This is to prevent damage to the CPU. This can also happen if the motherboard cannot detect the fan speed. The plug not connected properly of plugged into the wrong header on the motherboard can cause that. Or the fan not spinning at all because its blocked by something.

 

[Itaregid]

The only reason you would EVER need to reseat the CPU's HSF assembly is if the cured bond was broken due to rough handling, typically during transport. TIM (thermal interface material) does not wear out, dry out or require regular replacing because it does NOT become less effective over time and will easily last 10 or 15 years or even longer AS LONG AS the cured bond is not broken.

That said, as alphanumeric notes, it is essential to thoroughly clean off the old TIM and apply a proper, thin but thorough application of new TIM whenever the HSF (heatsink fan) assembly is removed. TIM is to fill ONLY the microscopic pits and valleys in the mating surfaces to push out any trapped, insulating air. Any excess TIM is in the way and counter productive to an efficient heat transfer process.

Also, properly securing the HSF assembly mounting mechanism is essential to ensure even pressure and to prevent air from getting in between the mating surfaces.

Finally, did you observe essential ESD precautions? That is, did you unplug the computer from the wall to remove the +5Vsb standby voltages running through the motherboard? And did you touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge the static in your body BEFORE reaching in and multiple times thereafter? If you did not take these precautions, there is a high probability you zapped and destroyed your CPU.

I realized you just replaced the PSU (why?) but even brand new PSUs from the best makers can fail. So if me, I would want to ensure good power is being delivered to the components inside. I would swap in another, known good PSU just to eliminate your current PSU from the equation.

 

[potatocrisps]

Ok so I cleaned of the thermal paste on my CPU and heatsink, bought new one, and reapplied it back to the CPU. I made a small X on the processor so it would spread evenly when I reseat the heatsink. I also noticed when I removed the heatsink, I didn't secure the heatsink like it should be the previous time.
During the reseat I made sure to discharge myself by touching the case and the outlet's grounding pin. I also unplugged the PC from the wall.
As a result everything works again, and my CPU temps seem to range from 70-80°C under full load, using the official stress test from Intel for haswell processors. During gaming the temps are around 60°C. normal temps range from around 30°C to 40°C.
Everything went fine for several days without BSOD's until today, so I guess I'll go back to my other thread and post it there.
Thanks for helping me so far.

 

[Itaregid]

I made a small X on the processor so it would spread evenly when I reseat the heatsink.

Small X? I hope it was very small. I apply a small "dab" about the size a grain of rice. The most efficient heat transfer occurs with direct metal-to-metal contact and, as noted above, the TIM is to fill ONLY the microscopic pits and valleys in the mating surfaces to push out any trapped, insulating air.

I also noticed when I removed the heatsink, I didn't secure the heatsink like it should be the previous time.

That may have been the problem all along.

Everything went fine for several days without BSOD's until today

Until today? So you got another BSOD? Did you notice the error code?

 

[alphanumeric]

Tissue paper thin layer or thinner.

 

[potatocrisps]

Yes the error code was System service exception (win32k.sys). Do you need the crash dump too?
Also, I followed a youtube video, with lots of views, about how to apply thermal paste. So I did just that. First I had just one dot, but my temps where higher (around 80°C @ 100%) then when I made a X.

Can too much thermal paste cause BSOD's?

 

[Itaregid]

Can too much thermal paste cause BSOD's?

No. Too much paste will just reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Dump analysis is not my thing. They do it here and also the guys over at Sysnative are excellent at it.