AMD CPU Question

[SpaceBooger]

Now that I learned that the motherboard on my old computer is dead I am interested to see if the original Phenom quad core processor still works, but I have a couple of questions.

1. Before the motherboard fully passed away it would not boot with the Phenom in it but would boot a lower quality Athlon processor (Kinda - if the comos was cleared. Click here to see my adventures with the old mobo and power supply). Was this the CPU's fault first or was the motherboard already going bad?

2. I know AMD processors should "fall into place" and not be forced into a socket (AM2), but the pins on the phenom somehow got bent and I bent them back. Now the processor needs a tiny bit of force to "fall into place". Is this a sign that I should not try it?

Most importantly, question 3: If I do get a new motherboard should I even risk trying to use the Phenom out of fear it may ruin the new mobo? (I ask because there is a huge performance difference between it and the processor that will replace it - Athlon x2 4450b - and would love to use the Phenom if possible)

[TSTR]

1. Likely a sign the mobo was dying, since it couldn't get enough juice to the Phenom, but could handle the lower power Athlon.

2. You should be cool, but if you're having to force too much, then the pin probably isn't as straight as you thought. Just be careful not to snap it. Function wise, a bent pin isn't a huge deal. I've dealt with a handful in the past with no problems after straightening.

3. Rock the Phenom. I know the board I'm sending you can handle them. Just use the best PSU you got.

[SpaceBooger]

1. Likely a sign the mobo was dying, since it couldn't get enough juice to the Phenom, but could handle the lower power Athlon.

2. You should be cool, but if you're having to force too much, then the pin probably isn't as straight as you thought. Just be careful not to snap it. Function wise, a bent pin isn't a huge deal. I've dealt with a handful in the past with no problems after straightening.

3. Rock the Phenom. I know the board I'm sending you can handle them. Just use the best PSU you got.

I'm worried a bad CPU would ruin a mother board. Some say it will, others say no way.
Should I rock the original 460 PSU that came with the old PC, or this one from Amazon:
I bought the one from Amazon and am considering returning it now that I know it's not a PSU problem?

[Hobie-wan]

As long as the pins are going where they are supposed to as opposed to folding and shorting with a neighbor or breaking off, it should be fine.

[TSTR]

I'd hang on to the second PSU for now, just in case the old PSU is not as froggy-fresh as it seems. From your other thread, the only testing you were able to do was the paperclip trick, right? I suppose then what you would want to do is hook everything up with the old PSU first and see if that's working properly. If it is, return the second one. If not, well, there you go—you have one fresh out the box and ready to roll.