I recently got my computer back from a company that cleaned and handled our belongings after a house fire, but some components were disconnected. I'm not sure where everything goes or how to safely reassemble it. Could someone walk me through putting the CPU, cooler, and disconnected cables back together? I've included photos of the system and the loose pins for reference.
2 Answers
It looks like the CPU may still be attached to the cooler, so be careful separating them. If the CPU comes loose, clean off the old thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth, then check the small triangle on the CPU and match it with the triangle on the motherboard socket. Lower it in gently without sliding or forcing it, secure the socket lever, apply fresh thermal paste, and reinstall the cooler evenly. The remaining plugs should be connected according to the labels on the motherboard and the power-supply cables.
A general PC-building guide or video would be a good starting point, since it can show how the motherboard, cooler, and front-panel connectors are installed. Take your time and compare each connector with the labels printed on the motherboard rather than forcing anything.
Could you point me toward a good beginner-friendly build guide? I’d rather follow one carefully before reconnecting anything.