The faulty and forceful method used during delidding caused roughly a dozen thin connections on the substrate of the 1.3 GHz Tualatin Pentium III processor from an eBay lot to break. [Bits und Bolts] saved the processor by protecting the intact traces with solder mask and repairing the broken ones with the thinnest copper wire. The process requires a good microscope and a steady hand, while the risk of trace breakage and capacitors being knocked off is higher in modern processors.
Why it matters
This case shows that delidding also puts the extremely thin connections on a processor’s substrate at risk and that a minor error during the procedure can turn into extensive damage. The fact that broken traces can be rebuilt with copper wire demonstrates that this kind of damage does not always render a processor completely unusable. However, the need for a good microscope, suitable wire, and a steady hand for the repair means that the method requires specialized equipment and a high degree of precision. The higher risk of damaging traces and knocking off capacitors in modern processors leaves open the question of how applicable the same approach is to newer hardware.