Broken ZIF Socket Tab on Asus A7V133

[TGM]

I built a new system 9 months ago, based on an Asus A7V133 with an Athlon 1 Ghz CPU. I put on the stock HSF when I built it, and it's been running on that since then.

About a week ago, though, I ordered a Vantec CCK 6035D from newegg.com, and installed it yesterday.

Everything ran fine... for about 30 minutes . I had booted the system up and done some checks to make sure the temps where what they were supposed to be, and that nothing was drastically wrong. From what I figure, at this point my computer had been on with no problems for about 15 minutes, and the HSF had been installed for about 25-30 minutes.

I started up Max Payne to put a bit of a load on the CPU and see how the temps would hold up, when this loud "clunk" came from the case. I killed the power as fast as I could (the case and PSU that I have won't let you just turn the system off by hitting the power button on the case, you have to hold it down at least 4 seconds; still, the system couldn't have been on without the HSF for more than 6 seconds, so I think there's hope for the CPU.)

After I opened the case back up and looked inside, I found that a side of the HSF clip had actually broken off one of the socket tabs holding it on, and the HSF had fell onto the video card. To show you exactly which ZIF socket tab I'm talking about, I've very badly circled it in red on this picture: http://www.angelfire.com/ab7/mghst/bboard.jpg (MSPaint is the only image software on this comp )
(Note: you'll have to copy and paste that link; Angelfire doesn't let you link directly to images I guess.)

So, I have a couple of questions:

1. Has this ever happened to someone before? I would think that, considering the purpose of the ZIF socket tabs, Asus would make them strong enough. Or did I just install the HSF wrong? It was really easy, just like I'd read in all the reviews, and took me about 5 minutes total to get it all lined up and put it on. I did have to use a little force, but I was expecting that.

2. Am I going to have to get another Mobo, or is there a way to replace/repair the ZIF socket and/or it's tabs?

3. Will the warranty cover this? For some reason, I have a feeling it won't. The place I bought it from claims a 1-year "parts warranty", and I'm going to email or call them later if I don't find another solution. Somehow though, I get the feeling that warranties aren't too sympathetic to overclockers and modders .

 

[AndyHui]

It happens, but it's not the end of the world.

You can purchase heatsink fans that use all three tabs for mounting.

While I don't recommend the Dragon Orb 3, that is an example of an HSF that uses all 3 tabs.

 

[zzzz]

taisol 742 or 760 use all 3 tabs..
Also you can use alpha 8045 which uses motherboard bolts.

 

[TGM]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

Right now I've just put the stock HSF, which uses 3 tabs, back on. I'm going to turn it on in a few minutes to make sure there's no major damage (I'm waiting at least an hour this time to make sure none of the other tabs decide to break.)


<< Also you can use alpha 8045 which uses motherboard bolts. >>


I saw that one on some review site awhile ago... it's HUGE. Looks like a pain to install, as you have to take the MB out, but at least I wouldn't have to worry about any more tabs breaking with it...

I'll think about getting something like that. Until then the stock fan will have to work.

I hate that I have a shiny new copper heatsink sitting here that I can't use, though...

 

[Iron Woode]

I have heard on this forum, but i can't remeber where, that if the board is still under warranty that some manufacturers will replace the board.

Check it out. It couldn't hurt.

 

[DoubleL]

Happens more times than people think that is why I like the Alpha's and the Sweftech that use the mainboard, I have had a A7V133's heatsink break off a tab while it was setting their, The Athlons can take a lot more heat than what people think to, I have had the 1.2 run for a good three minutes with no fan and it sounded like a English police car before the computer kicked off other than the wife saying something smells like it is burning didn't hurt anything, Just put a SK6 and fan on it the other day and it runs fine

 

[TGM]

Heh, I got a reply from the vendor I emailed earlier asking if the damage was covered by warranty:


<< ...Physical damage to any product will void all warranties. We are governed by the policies of our vendors. Because the manufacturers, in turn, wont accept damaged goods back for repair....
I cannot , at this time, honor the 1-year parts warranty on this motherboard.... >>


Didn't think so, but it was worth a try. Im gonna start looking into that Alpha... anyone want to buy a very slightly used CCK-6035D?


<< I have had a A7V133's heatsink break off a tab while it was setting their >>


So, maybe it's an Asus thing then? I haven't heard anything about it, but maybe the A7V isn't strong enough to hold certain types of HSFs.

Thanks for the replies and information... I'm typing this on my comp, so no other damage was done, luckily. I was afraid the video card was going to be fried, because the screen went crazy after the HSF fell on it, right before I turned it off.