Resolved Broken Processor Clamp

Yesterday our main house computer powered down suddenly for no apparent reason. It wouldn't start again using the main power button. Upon opening up the case I noticed that the clamp that holding the cooling fan to the processor had broken and allowed the cooler to come loose from the processor. My theory is that the processor over heated and caused the system to shut down. The plastic part the mounting lever grabs onto is broken. Does anyone here concur with that theory?
Here is what the unit consists of:
MSI X470 Gaming plus motherboard
AMD Ryzen 7 2700 x 8 core 16 thread 64 bit
Wraith Prism LED cooler
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 DRAM 3000 MHZ
Corsair GS 600 power supply
Windows 10 with the latest updates installed
This particular mother board is no longer available.
Can I just purchase another similar MSI motherboard, a power supply, install same and go on my merry way?
Please note that while I've purchased laptops along the way I've built my desktops for the last twenty years or so. I'm now where near the expert those on this forum are.
Thanks in advance

 

Sure. If the clamp broke, the cooler most likely came loose allowing insulating air to get in there. Just like double pane windows that have air between two panes of glass, that insulating air blocks the transfer of heat.

While that motherboard may no longer be in production or available, you may be able to contact MSI and if you ask nicely, they may be able to send you a replacement bracket piece. As I look here at your board, I am going to assume it is one of those 2 black plastic pieces and it appears they are attached with screws (or nut and bolt). Surely those same mounting brackets are used on a multitude of boards and not just that model number.

But to answer your question, the answer is maybe - but the board would have to be totally compatible with your current CPU and RAM - preferably using the same chipset and bios.

 

Yup,
It was the lower clamp that broke. I'll contact MSI and see if I can get a clamp. Is there a recommended cleaner to clean the heat transfer putty off the cooler and processor?
Next question. Retired AF?

 

I use 91-93% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad to clean it off. Make sure touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge any static in your body before reaching in.

Yes, retired USAF (link in sig fixed).

 

Thanks, Bill. Working on that part now.

 

Called MSI and got this link from support. https://www.amazon.com/TT-Racing-Re...efix=am4+cpu+retention+bracket,aps,120&sr=8-4
I ordered two. I'll mark as resolved if they work. Bruce

 

Cool! And a lot cheaper than a new motherboard and all the hassles that go with that. Now you won't have to worry about the CPU being compatible, or the RAM either.

 

New brackets came today. Got them installed, cleaned up the CSU and cooler. Put it all back together, powered it up and nothing. Looks like the PSU is dead. No big deal they're cheap and I can get one locally. No loss as the cooler bracket needed replacing anyway.

 

Make sure you reconnected all the cable correctly and securely. Let's hope nothing else was damaged during this whole ordeal.

If me, I would try to borrow another known good PSU from another computer, friend, relative and swap that in to see what happens before spending money on a new PSU.

Well, of course, "cheap" is relative, but a "quality" PSU is not that cheap, IMO. Everything inside the computer case depends on good, clean, stable power, so IMO, "investing" in a quality PSU is a good investment.

 

Just looking in.
I have two AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPU's.
This comp is running a 9 5900X 3.7GHz in a Gigabyte X570 M/B.
My dedicated "Insider" comp has an Asus Prime B450-Plus M/B with an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6GHz CPU.
Both of these are running with the AMD cooler fans which have 4 spring-tensioned screws which screw into the holding frame under the motherboards.
Was this not an option mounting on your M/B?
Are you using a 3rd party cooling system?

 

It's running and I'm typing this reply on it.
Apparently, it was the PSU. I replaced it with a Corsair CX650M. Booted right up as soon as I hit the switch.
The cooler is the one that was boxed with the CSU by AMD. As per Bill, things cleaned up nicely there.
Yup, cheap is relative, I paid under a hundred dollars at Best Buy yesterday. I know there are more expensive ones out there.I need to mark this thread resolved. Thanks for all the posts and suggestions fellow posters. Bruce

 

Thanks for your reply and nice to see your up and running OK.

 

It's always a positive outcome when I come here.