Redditor Fries Intel CPU and Motherboard in Build
A user on the r/PcBuild subreddit says an improperly seated processor caused smoke and damage to a budget system.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Computers
A Redditor under the username u/foxyovo destroyed an Intel Core i5-13400F and a GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X motherboard after powering on a build with the CPU improperly seated. The user shared the incident on the r/PcBuild subreddit, where the system's smoke was visible immediately after startup.
Why it matters
The incident shows how a single misaligned processor can destroy both the chip and the board it sits on, even with a modest total budget of roughly $100 for the setup. It serves as a reminder for first-time builders to check CPU orientation and pin alignment before applying power.
The user reports that the CPU pins did not align with the contact pads in the LGA socket, and photos show a scorch mark on the lower left edge of the Z690 socket and on the processor. The source does not state whether the damage is permanent or whether replacement parts would restore function.
The players
u/foxyovo
The Reddit username of the builder who shared the incident on the r/PcBuild subreddit, a community forum where hardware enthusiasts discuss custom computer assembly.
GIGABYTE
A Taiwanese motherboard and graphics card manufacturer whose Z690 Gaming X board was damaged in the incident.
Intel
The U.S. semiconductor company that produces the Core i5-13400F processor involved in the incident.
The details
The Redditor assembled an Intel Core i5-13400F and a GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X motherboard after a one-month wait for a new case, completing the build in about two hours. On powering up, smoke appeared, and inspection revealed that the CPU had been improperly seated in the LGA socket.
Timeline
One month after the motherboard purchase, the case arrived and assembly could begin.
During a two-hour assembly session, the Redditor powered on the system and immediately saw smoke.
Roadmap
The LGA 1700 socket used by Intel's 12th- and 13th-generation Core processors on Z690 boards relies on fine contact pads that must align precisely with the processor's underside. Incidents like this one show how that design places a premium on careful installation as consumer PC building continues to draw first-time builders.
Anyone assembling a PC should confirm the processor's orientation and check that pins line up with the socket before seating it and applying power. Inspecting the CPU and socket for misalignment before the first boot can prevent the loss of hardware worth about $100.
The takeaway
Before powering on a new build, double-check that the CPU is oriented correctly and seated flat, because a single misaligned chip can destroy both the processor and the motherboard. Taking a few extra minutes at installation can prevent costly damage.
Further reading
For more on building and troubleshooting desktop hardware, explore the Computers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wccftech.
