


Building your own computer can be really easy, and gives you the ultimate in customization options. If you want to give it a try, check out our First-Timer's Guide to Building a Computer from Scratch. Still, even experienced system builders can attest to how scary it can be when you're mounting a CPU fan or heat sink and you're not sure how much force to put on it to make it fit properly.

In most cases, you get it sorted out without a hassle, but in those worst case scenarios, you wind up taking the fan off, popping out the CPU, and discovering your worst nightmare: your brand new CPU has a bunch of bent pins on the bottom. Thankfully, MarauderFox at Instructables suggests a plastic card (like a credit card or an ID card,) a Swiss Army Knife, and a steady hand to fix the problem.

Just use the knife to slowly and gently stand the bent pins back up. Then use the plastic card to make sure the bent pins stand up perfectly with all of the others around it. Use the card from multiple angles to make sure it's perfectly aligned.

Finally, ease the processor back in place, making sure each pin slides into its hole. If it doesn't fit, you should be able to feel the area that's not matching up and repeat the process. It's important to be gentle, because you don't want to damage the pins by trying to bend them back and forth.

If you're an enthusiast or you just like top of the line gear, this little tip can help you save even the most expensive high-end CPU. If you've built your own computer, what are some of your favorite ways to get out of a jam when putting everything together? Share your tips in the comments. Photo by Public Domain Photos.


How to Fix Bent CPU Pins | Instructables
