Socket AM3+ reflow advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nexxen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2023, 04:17:54 pm
content: Hello!I bought this 990FX AM3+ motherboard. When I first took it home, I met the seller and it was freezing cold.Went home, put a cpu and it just POSTED fine for a while.After some time I wanted to build a fast machine to test more cpus but this time no POST.Pushing down the cpu would get me some POST codes but that was it. Maybe different stages and different codes but the same stuff basically.Been pushing too much and it won't issue codes anymore, I guess more solder balls broke.My diagnosis is: an issue with the socket and it needs a reflow (better would be a replacement but I'd fail as I don't have the correct equipment).I ASK:how should I proceed to reflow it? I have the usual basic solder station (iron + air).I thought tons of flux on top and going from 100°C ---> 150° ----> ... ----> 350°C. Up to 200°C being a preheat and adding flux afterwards.Sounds right? Mistakes? Advice? I'm all ears!!Thanks in advance!!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2023, 09:28:36 pm
content: What specific equipment do you have?You need a high wattage hot air source and preheater at minimum.Search youtube for socket replacement and you'll find various videos.Here is one low budget one:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nWrx8QcNiI

author: Nexxen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2023, 01:52:45 pm
content: I have a Preciva 8786 2-in-1 hot air station,The usual entry level soldering station.I watched a few videos but I can't figure out if the temp will melt the socket or if it ok to go up to 350°C.I need to understand, and learn at the same time, if the board is dead before going all in on a socket replacement.With the right equipment it's a kids' joke. Or maybe the pro make it look too easy

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2023, 04:15:37 pm
content: The most common issue is the RAM! Clean the slots properly.Sometimes dust get into the socket holes, blow some air in it, also drop some alcohol and keep blowing to drag any contaminants away.If still failing, these mobos are cheaply found second hand, don't waste your time, by no way you're reflowing such a massive board with cheap equipment.You need a large BGA rework machine that preheats the entire board, locally heating the socket will cause warping, making it even worse!

author: Nexxen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2023, 09:09:15 pm
content: Interesting! Didn't know about warping. Looking it up.Thanks.

author: PCBprototyping
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2023, 09:56:07 am
content: If you own a reflow oven, protect the motherboard with lots of aluminum foil(in layers) and make a window where the socket is. Put a copper cube or heavy nut on the socket and reflow the board. Weight of the nut will push the socket to the board, I've repaired around 10 BGA motherboards that way, always successful. Just be sure you extend the reflow time as it will take longer to heat up the board.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2023, 10:13:03 pm
content: Quote from: Nexxen on May 27, 2023, 01:52:45 pmThat style of hot air is fine for small parts but it won't be enough for a motherboard socket.Yes best to verify everything else first..

author: Nexxen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2023, 02:01:30 pm
content: Probably yesI read some more and the closest is that some solder joints just cracked even more (more broken balls).I pushed to make contact and it stopped working, not all joints are dead.Before I go all in, jumping in the dark both feet, I'll try to rework some parts, mainly RAM area. Why RAM? Because it was having issues and giving POST codes related to memory error (no detection).I'll report back.A new board costs as much as having the job done by a pro (around 70€ -80$).

author: Nexxen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2024, 02:30:32 pm
content: I tried reflowing the socket but no change.I tried to desolder the socket, but still not able to do it. I need a different setup and at least heating from below.Measured temp during the process and couldn't go above 200°C, not enough to desolder lead free solder.