HELP-IDE Cable connector broke off in MOBO!

**241gemini** · July 10th, 2003, 09:48 PM

I can't believe it, well yes I can...

I was trying to save money by installing an internal DVD burner myself which required the removal of the cable from the secondary IDE MOBO to switch it for a longer one-- and the darn thing separated and broke off when I was tring to take it out. Half of the connector that was on the cable is now stuck in the secondary MOBO controller.

Any suggestions? As you can tell I'm new to working on computers! Thanks!

**Buzioid** · July 10th, 2003, 09:51 PM

hmm, it's stuck in the ide slot on your motherboard??
You're best bet might be to try to pry it out with a screwdriver
WHILE IT IS OFF

**EvilRick** · July 10th, 2003, 09:55 PM

I'd try some needle nose pliers first. Try not to pry on anything. You don't wanna bend/break the pins on the mobo.

As long as you don't wreck the pins on the mobo, you'll be fine.

**241gemini** · July 10th, 2003, 11:58 PM

I've tried to get it out with tweezers, etc. but no luck--its really stuck!

I called Gateway and they're sending me a whole new mobo to replace this one--no questions asked! I'm impressed since technically this was my fault.

**670bird** · July 11th, 2003, 05:12 AM

You probably already have one but make sure you have a grounding strap when messing around in your case and make sure it is unplugged. Nice of them to send you a new MB, when you take the old one out it will probably be easier to remove the plug. If it is fairly new you may want to use it to build yourself a spare.

**Gait_Keeper** · July 11th, 2003, 05:19 AM

Originally posted by 241gemini
I've tried to get it out with tweezers, etc. but no luck--its really stuck!

I called Gateway and they're sending me a whole new mobo to replace this one--no questions asked! I'm impressed since technically this was my fault.

AMAZING

**Telexen** · July 11th, 2003, 05:22 AM

That happens a lot...but they usually don't get stuck that bad. That's why a lot of newer ones have tabs that just seem to get in the way...pull with those and it won't break.

**Gait_Keeper** · July 11th, 2003, 05:26 AM

oh my bad, amazing that getway is sending a new one, not that tweezers couldn't get it out, sorry

**SPEEDO** · July 11th, 2003, 09:00 AM

This has happened to me before and the solution I used was to drill a 1/16 dia. hole through each end on the connector taking care to avoid the pins.
Then taking a couple of stiff wires that can be shaped into an "L" and sticking them into the holes inside of the piece to be removed and pull it out................

Patience must be used during the drilling process.............