ga-ma78gm-us2h rev 1 loose GPU heatsink

[ronal]

The springs holding the GPU heatsink against the chip are too weak.  I discovered this after a reboot and getting the video error signal (2 long beeps, repeating), and no display on the monitor.   The heatsink had flopped down somewhat and I guess that the GPU was overheating.

I removed the heatsink, applied thermal compound and remounted it.  Then I laid the computer on its side so that gravity could help hold it down.  It fired up normally and I used it for a few days in this horizontal position.  But on standing the computer vertically the heatsink soon drooped and I got the video error signal again.

The heatsink is held in place by two plastic pegs with springs, only on two corners.  I am hoping somebody has already solved the problem of mounting it more securily and can tell me how to do it.  Thanks.

[Dark Mantis]

Well I have heard other people discussing this problem before but I am not sure what the outcome was. I would imagine though theat the easiest way to fix it would be to use some bolts but just make sure that you use non conductive washers on the motherboard or even plastic bolts and nuts.

[jolphil]

the easiest way to fix it would be to use some bolts but just make sure that you use non conductive washers on the motherboard or even plastic bolts and nuts.

Hi,
DM has a good idea about the nuts and bolts..I use some from the following supplier here in the US but where you live may also have the same thing..
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.aspx?catid=667&parentcatid=791

Goodluck,
jolphil

[ronal]

Solution!

With the computer on its side I used a glue gun to drop a glob of melted plactic on the motherboard between the heat sink of the gpu and the screw holding one corner of the CPU heatsink bracket.  Now I can stand the computer up again.

[Dark Mantis]

Yes good idea of using the hot melt glue! It is quite often used in the industry to hold down large components firmly on a circuit board. Should work fine as long as the heatsink doesn't get warm enough to make the glue less solid.