Hello folks and greetings, I'm a new subscriber to your learned ranks looking for some general advice on a motherboard problem. Recently had to replace a motherboard due to failure for unknown reasons. The replacement is a socket 1156 Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3. When installed it posted first time, I loaded optimum defaults and rebooted to a linux live cd, got a kernel panic. Tried other linux live cds, different distros, same problem, tried installing Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows xp, all resulting in bsod's after loading files. Spent a week on and off, trying to diagnose problem, no result, took motherboard back today to Aria, Manchester(fairly local to me), they don't want to know as they say board has damaged cpu pin(s) in socket?? Looks to me as though one pin is missing, hard to see even with magnifier(sorry, eyes are getting on a bit) cant see any other issues myself. Despite my protests they are adamant they will not replace or send the board back, they accused me of causing the damage, twelve years of loyal business from me makes no difference. I will admit to feeling somewhat naive to the nature of the problem. After some googling tonight, I see I'm not alone in having a problem with bent cpu pins and getting zero sympathy from Aria. I'm actually of the opinion that this board has been in someone else's hands already as it would bench test to bios fine, runs memtests etc, all aspects of cpu in bios appear to be normal, only when you try to install os does a problem become evident. So, my question is, what do I do in this situation, I'm always ultra careful with motherboards and cpu's. been self building for 22 years and never had an issue like this. Even if the damage was caused by me (don't know how) can the board be repaired or is it £110 worth of junk?? I've emailed Gigabyte. I have to say that I hate the cpu retention system on these sockets, seems very crude compared to the old zif system, lots of potential for damage at all stages even by just by unlocking the lever and removing the factory socket cover it would seem? Please be careful all of you as I'm not sure this subject has had enough of the right publicity. It seems that you could almost get pin damage however careful you are? Any comments or advice most welcome Best Regards Rick
Temps were fine from what I was able to see in bios, around 30C. I was not able to install any operating system to run any temp monitoring programs, but I don't think temps were an issue, constant reboots most likely due to failing cpu I think? Have heard back from Gigabyte today, and they have offered to take board back and will effect repairs to cpu socket. They advised cpu socket pin damage is not unusual. If repair is not possible, will replace board but would take a couple of weeks or more. Fair enough. Seems very good customer service to me and response was within twelve hours. Also had confirmation that cpu has failed following independent tests, not sure how or why? I have suspected its been faulty for some time. Think it was damaged by the failure of the original board it was installed in and it's been flakey since then Best Regards, Rick
