Mobo damaged during build - how screwed is it?

Posted by RG177@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 7 comments

Slipped while installing GPU and scraped the motherboard. Left a small scratch over some traces and broke off two tiny capacitors (?). Brand new board out the box…

Photo of damage: https://ibb.co/FqxFhttB

Photo of broken pieces: https://ibb.co/0p3ZCh0g

Damage on mobo diagram: https://ibb.co/vvxt4DJ7

I tried to boot and nothing happens at all.

This is my first build so I’m a bit lost - not sure if the board is toast or I’ve done something else wrong. Any advice would be appreciated. I have 0 tools or knowledge to solder those bits back on

Specs:
Mobo: ASUS TUF B850M-E Gaming plus WiFi matx
CPU: Ryzen 9600x
PSU: Seasonic focus 650w gold+
GPU: GTX 960 4GB (yeah I know…pending upgrade)
RAM: Patriot viper venom 1x16gb ddr5
Cooler: TR phantom spirit 120 SE
Fans: 5x arctic p12 pro pst 120mm
Storage: MX500 1TB 2.5”

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EdoTheOnlyOne@reddit

Try installing CPU, RAM and cooler, then connecting only the necessary PSU cables and booting. If it boots, youre probably fine. Otherwise RMA it

Ketzui@reddit

Don't do this. There is no telling how you affected the circuitry traces with thess broken capacitors. Anything you plug into this motherboard and send power to could likewise be damaged.

Your best bet is to replace the motherboard. Don't plug additional equipment into a faulty motherboard.

RG177@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I ended up replacing it - much rather lose £150 than have to buy a whole new pc.

dann1sh@reddit

It may have survived the scratches but it probably wouldn't have survived you breaking off the resistors like that.

If you slipped that bad, it's gone. In the future, use your fingers to pinch and guide the screwdriver tip if it's on a tight screw.

Nothing much you can do now but buy a new board. They won't accept RMAs when pieces are broken off the board.

Fair enough, I ended up buying a replacement board just to be sure. Is there any use for the old one now that it’s damaged? Seems a waste to throw it away.

Asus_USA@reddit

Allow us to apologize for any inconvenience caused at this time. We've reached out to you via private message and await your response to further assist with your issue if needed.

vlhube71@reddit

Scratches likely were ok but the broken resistors no. That board will need to be replaced. You could try a RMA, but they likely won’t accept as this was user error.