I recently dusted off an old PC that I lent to a couple of friends for over a year, and now it's stuck in a power cycling loop when I try to boot it up. I've tested everything from the RAM to the PSU and SSD, and finally checked the CPU socket. I found some dust and what looks like a little green residue on the pins. I used compressed air to clear out the dust, but that green stuff is still there, and I suspect it might be causing the power cycling issue. How can I clean an LGA1151 socket safely without damaging the pins?
2 Answers
That green debris sounds like it could be rusted copper. It’s usually a sign of corrosion, which can definitely interfere with your CPU pins. The safest way to clean it is using isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% concentration) on a soft brush or lint-free cloth. Just make sure to be really gentle around the pins to avoid bending them. After cleaning, let it dry completely before powering the PC back on!
I'd recommend using a can of compressed air first to blow out any loose debris. If that doesn't work, as others mentioned, isopropyl alcohol usually does the trick. Just apply it lightly and let it dry naturally. Don't scrub too hard, as that might damage the socket pins!
Great advice! It's key to ensure it's completely dry. Also, if you're unsure, you could see if there's a local repair shop that can safely handle it.
Yeah, and if you have a magnifying glass, check the pins after you clean them. If they’re damaged, you might need to consider a replacement.