SOLVED... 4870 x2 no longer functions (Block shorting issue) - Page 5 - Overclock.net

*CyberDruid* · 09-25-08

Here is my latest result.

I got one card confirmed A OK

About to test the other.

I used the red paper washers that often ship with mobo kits on EVERY M3 x 6 just like Eddy said. It worked. I also loosened eah screw one at a time and very lightly snugged it. I had laready taken great pains not to warp the card..the temp LED never came on on the card so I felt comfortbale letting the strength of the TIM secure the card more so than the clamping force of the screws.

What this tells me is that the ground lugs (solder rings around the screw holes) CANNOT make contact with the head or thread of any of the screws.

What might work for Syrillian's issue is to paint the head and part of the thread by the head with nail polish. Use several coats. Once dry this should prevent the edge of the threads contacting the edge of the ground lug around each screwhole.

Not sure how or why but insulating the screws from contact with the card is essential.

What would be a better solution is to find some special nylon washers that look like a (tiny) top hat and press into the holes--the kind I have seen on some GFX coolers: this would insulate the threads of the screw and the head of the screw. Finding something like that the exact size of the hole is what I find difficult...but I would guess they have to be available somewhere...

NCspecV81 · 09-25-08

I had an issue with the 3870x2 and ek block, and it involved tightening of the block on the card. What I assumed would be a good snug fit actually caused a short on the card keeping it from booting or booting then quickly turning off. What I done to alieviate this was to put a piece of electrical tape where that short was occuring so I could use the amount of pressure that I felt comfortable with. The part that was shorting slightly was between the barbs where the card met the copper.

*CyberDruid* · 09-25-08

Funny thing about that///my two year old was keen to help me build a "WaterPuter" and we went to the shop to get supplies and she found a roll of electrical tape and insisted we needed it.

lol.

Rep+ for the idea

XFreeRollerX · 09-25-08

have you guys tried using a potentimeter or voltmeter to test if there was charge running across the blocks? Im wondering if it is a short or if it simply warped some bad solder points because now you guys are using looser fits, right?

Syrillian · 09-25-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lu(ky

Hi Syrillian and CyberDruid... I stumbled across this thread and I am glad I did because I was planing on throwing on my new eK 4870 X2 "Nickel" block on in a couple of days. Now I am wondering if I should even try? Well I hope you get it it to work Syrillian. I will be watching closely. And by the way your cards do look very nice..

I'm starting the "round 12" now...

I would say try. Right off of the bat I hit 50%, and that was with no prior knowledge of this little quirk. I am certain that you will meet with success even if you need to twiddle with it a little.

Thanks for the well-wishes as I am about to try again now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCspecV81

I had an issue with the 3870x2 and ek block, and it involved tightening of the block on the card. What I assumed would be a good snug fit actually caused a short on the card keeping it from booting or booting then quickly turning off. What I done to alieviate this was to put a piece of electrical tape where that short was occuring so I could use the amount of pressure that I felt comfortable with. The part that was shorting slightly was between the barbs where the card met the copper.

Excellent advice. +

for insulation pointer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFreeRollerX

have you guys tried using a potentimeter or voltmeter to test if there was charge running across the blocks? Im wondering if it is a short or if it simply warped some bad solder points because now you guys are using looser fits, right?

Youdaman! Such a simple solution to give a whirl before powering on.

+

for that my Friend.

Wish me luck.

*crosses fingers, toes, and prehensile tails*

*CyberDruid* · 09-25-08

Go man go.

Just leave a spot for me in the top 30 please.

Syrillian · 09-25-08

YaY!

As for benching... well, I will have to wait until I get the QX6850 in the socket, and that won't be until I get the case finished.

At least I can lay this down and move on with my life.

*changes title to "solved"*

tehpwnerofn00bs · 09-25-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syrillian

YaY!

As for benching... well, I will have to wait until I get the QX6850 in the socket, and that won't be until I get the case finished.

At least I can lay this down and move on with my life.

*changes title to "solved"*

Awesome!

SugarySnack · 09-25-08

Glad to see it all worked out for you man!

Syrillian · 09-26-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by tehpwnerofn00bs

Awesome!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarySnack

Glad to see it all worked out for you man!

Thanks, Guys!

09-25-08	#42 (permalink)
NCspecV81 4.0ghz Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5,046 Rep: 390 Unique Rep: 264 Trader Rating: 27	I had an issue with the 3870x2 and ek block, and it involved tightening of the block on the card. What I assumed would be a good snug fit actually caused a short on the card keeping it from booting or booting then quickly turning off. What I done to alieviate this was to put a piece of electrical tape where that short was occuring so I could use the amount of pressure that I felt comfortable with. The part that was shorting slightly was between the barbs where the card met the copper. __________________ want to play l4d1 maps on your shiny new l4d2 game? PM me for details!

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SOLVED... 4870 x2 no longer functions (Block shorting issue)

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