Mac Pro 4,1 logic board repair

[MattsanaX]

Okay I did it, I effed up my CPU tray when upgrading the CPUs in the system to a 12 core system. I managed to tighten the screws for the heatsink too hard and now I'm left with 3 busted pins on CPU B socket. Luckily none of them are broken off. Just bent almost completely down. My question is. Is it repairable? With a loupe, thin needle and patience? Anyone else have experience with this?

 

[MacVidCards]

Hi, first up, that isn't the logic board, that is the CPU Tray.

And I was able to bend some pins back and get one I damaged like that to at least boot both CPUs normally.

I have not been able to get all 8 RAM sticks seen in that machine, but 7 is plenty.

The other option is new CPU tray. I got one for $400 or so from DVWarehouse, it was brand spanking new from Apple.

You will need a nice lighted magnifier and very steady hands. I used tiny tweezers, one of my pins actually burned due to shorting which is why I think all the RAM doesn't show up. I might be able to tighten more (or less) and get all 8 but decided I would rather have a solid 7 sticks and both CPUs than gamble the $400 on fully killing it.

 

[MattsanaX]

Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it a lot. I found a CPU tray on eBay for about $550 which is the same at http://www.dvwarehouse.com/661-4998...-Pro-Early-2009-820-2336-A---NEW-p-38517.html

Problem is they are located in the US which means tons of custom charges so I'm gonna have to go for EU reseller. I just can't believe that part is so old still.

EDIT: One other thing I don't understand is that the images of the 4,1 CPU tray looks green. But the real one is black. Kind of worried of scams.

 

[MacVidCards]

You may as well try to fix yours first.

You literally have nothing to lose.

Or maybe look into an EU seller for upgrades who can do the job for you, complete with new tray.

 

[pastrychef]

I have also used tweezers to fix bent pins on a CPU tray. I had more luck than MVC, after I fixed mine, all the RAM was recognized and, as far as I know, that machine is still running today without any problems. Just be careful and don't try to overdo it and apply too much pressure.

 

[MattsanaX]

Okay I managed to successfully repair (so far successfully) the bent pins. However one of the 3 were not just bent but the tip of it had busted off. What I did was I pushed it up in a more stand up position in comparison to the others. I've done some short time Vray render test of a 1 million polygon model and it ran just like before. So I'll let it ride for a while and see how it goes. I feel kinda good about myself at this moment. EVEN if it would die out of instability. But it's a nice experience! I'll report futher. If desired I can upload some pictures aswell.