URGENT! :. My computer died on me!!! WTD?

[paul_]

My computer died due to modding?

eMachines T6520 with Radeon X700PRO

I was attempting to add a new heatsink, as well as a professional sound card. As I pulled the old heatsink out, the CPU (A64 3200+) came out with it!!!!!

I purified the top of the CPU, put on A.C.5 and put it back in along w/ the new heatsink. I then installed the sound card, hooked the comp up, and... OH NO!!!!!!!!!! the computer BIOS was beeping continuous long beeps - I stopped counting after 16. no video image, the HDD spooled up, the fans functioned, but NADA.

]I found a website that beeping of this ilk was due to RAM problems. So, I took the RAM modules out, they passed an eyeball inspection, and i put them back in reverse order. Then i took out the sound card. NOTHING, just the same beeping.

I cannot figure out the problem, I am strapped 4 cash so buying a new CPU or RAM is a last resort, so I want to try every trick in the book! HELP!!!

Unfortunately,

-Paul.

[ski]

Either the CPU or its socket was probably damaged.
Check the CPU for any bent or missing pins. Also, check the socket for any pins.
If they check out ok, then unless you can swap out the CPU and MB the only way to find the cause of the problem is to have them shop tested.

[paul_]

I had myself a big ol' scare :rolleyes:

My comp works now, all I did was reseat the CPU and RAM and b00m it worked!

Anyway, now I need to find a good pair of 1GB RAM sticks that will maximize my performance, but not to the point where my mobo or anything will not unlock its full potential. what should I look for??? timings or clock speed? anyone?