VOGONS


First post, by retro games 100

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I had trouble pushing this Intel 386DX-33 CPU in to the CPU socket. At first, it wouldn't work. I powered on the system, and the BIOS POST screen was full of garbage. I pulled it out, then pushed it back in again. That worked - the system was useable. I tested Windows 95, and ran WinTune 97. I also tested DOS, and ran 3DBench and Speedsys. I then removed the CPU. I looked at the pins, and noticed that one pin is completely bent, at 90 degrees.

386pin.JPG

Reply 2 of 10, by unmei220

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If when bending it back you happen to broke it, if the CPU works without it, consider removing it completely, as it can short with other pins.
I have a Cyrix MII CPU who's missing 3 pins and is still working. In contrast, I had one Celeron FCPGA that missed one pin and never worked again.
It depends on the importance of the missing pin, some are redundant.
In your case, it seems to be a VSS or NC or A19 or VCC pin, I'm having troubles understanding the orientation of the CPU... not familiar with 386.

Reply 3 of 10, by h-a-l-9000

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This is Pin A19 and the CPU won't work without it.

1+1=10

Reply 4 of 10, by retro games 100

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Thanks very much for the info. I have just double-checked this CPU: I put it back in the mobo, and powered on the system. It works. Please trust me people, this thing's alive.

Please look at the updated photo, below. Look at the hand drawn line+arrow. That's the direction that I hold and then flip over the CPU. Now look at the hand drawn circle, around a pin. That's where the "broken" pin is, when the CPU has been flipped over.

386pin_b.JPG

The next photo shows where the broken pin is, underneath the CPU. Please note that this CPU has a code of SX366.

386_pin_c.JPG

Reply 5 of 10, by retro games 100

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PS - here's a bit of ridiculous silly "fun". Look at the photos above, and then roll your wheel mouse up and down. Well, it made me smile, but then again I'm stupid.

Reply 6 of 10, by h-a-l-9000

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It works because the bent pin touches the "pinhole".

1+1=10

Reply 7 of 10, by shock__

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I'd rather worry about the bent pin shorting another sooner or later.
Just slowly and carefully bend it back and you should be fine.

Reply 8 of 10, by TheLazy1

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Even if it breaks at the bend, if it's already making contact bent wouldn't it be okay anyway?

Reply 9 of 10, by retro games 100

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Sorry for this off-topic remark, but TheLazy1 - are you the guy who does "Lazy game reviews" on youtube?

Reply 10 of 10, by TheLazy1

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Nope, I think a lot of other people use this nick as well.