you’re free to correct the bend pins, but what about the broken ones?
Can you replace the socket to avoid buying a new motherboard?
Well, This article will let you know the chances of replacing a CPU socket.
So, read till the end to know it.
What are the Reasons for Replacing a CPU Socket?
Replacing a CPU socket becomes undeniable when the motherboard is very expensive, and the socket gets permanent damage.
Motherboard sockets sometimes get wrecked due to overheating.
However, there are other reasons behind a damaged CPU socket.
But first, you need toidentify whether the CPU socket is damagedby analyzing the socket properly.
Then take the necessary steps.
Some people want to change or replace the CPU socket, even if its not damaged.
But why would anybody want that?
The fact is, when manufacturers launch a new processor, they change the socket punch in as well.
And its normal because of the change in the microprocessor architecture in the CPU.
The architecture of a CPU varies from generation to generation.
For installing the latest gen CPUs, you must need a new socket-supported motherboard, at least for Intel.
However, is it really possible to change the CPU socket punch in on the same motherboard?
Youll find out later in this article.
But before getting on that,ensure you have installed the CPU correctlyto avoid damaging the socket.
This happens because the CPU wont connect with the motherboard through pins.
LGA stands forLand Grid Array, and PGA stands forPin Grid Array.
There are lots ofdifference between LGA and PGAsocket.
Among these, Intel uses the LGA socket for their processors to connect with the motherboard.
In this LGA design, the socket has pins, and the CPU has a flat surface.
When you plant the CPU, its flat surface contact points land on those pins.
AMD, on the other hand, uses the PGA socket.
Thats why APUs have pins, and motherboard sockets have landing points to insert those pins.
However, AMD shifted to the LGA socket design with their latest Zen 4 architecture-based Ryzen 7000 series processors.
But, the chance of damaging the socket is high in LGA sockets.
So, when youre suspecting the socket is damaged, how to ensure that?
To ensure a damaged socket, you must closely inspect the socket pins first.
For that, use a magnifying glass and look for bent or broken pins.
If found, then the socket is already damaged.
Sometimes, you wont see any bent or broken pins because the socket might have internal component damage.
Is it Really Possible to Replace a CPU Socket?
Replacing a CPU socket of the motherboard, its possible.
But the process is so hard that only a highly expert hardware technician can do this.
Firstly, you’re gonna wanna desolder each pin from the socket and remove them clearly.
Then, attach the new socket and solder all the pins in the exact place.
Well, that sounds crazy!
And the entire procedure takes a long time.
The latest 13th genRaptor Lakeis based onLGA 1700socket, and it contains1700 protruding pinsto connect with the processor.
Whereas the previous 12th genAlder Lakeis based onLGA 1200socket that has only1200 protruding pins.
So, can you imagine soldering 1700 densely standing pins on a socket?
Its like repairing your iPhone, which is run over by a war tank.
First, you must collect the phones shattered pieces one by one before repairing it.
I bet youre sweating right now!
Otherwise, heat will damage those badly.
But they dont guarantee success, plus you must pay a large amount for that with additional shipping costs.
Suppose you gotta replace a damagedLGA 1151socket-based board.
So, Ill suggest going for a new or used one instead of replacing the socket.
However, if you have an expensive motherboard, you should replace the socket.
And doing this will cost only one-third of its new price.
Installing different socket types in a motherboard isnt possible because different models motherboards are made for different sockets.
FAQs
Is it possible to fix broken CPU socket pins?
The chance of fixing a broken pin is minimal, and its quite an impossible task.
Can you correct a bent CPU socket pin?
Ensure your fingers are rock steady and dont apply too much pressure while correcting those bent pin positions.
Can you replace the CPU sockets on the motherboard?
Plus, its costly, and only a few hardware repair companies offer CPU socket replacement.
Wrapping Up
CPU socket pins are fragile, and even slight pressure can bend them.
Plus, you cant ask for a warranty because this sort of damage is out of warranty coverage.
So, replacing the socket can be a great option if the motherboard is expensive.
Replacing the socket is possible, but few repair shops offer that, and its costly.
