If you find a bent pin, don't panic. Many users successfully straighten them using a mechanical pencil tip or a thin razor blade to gently nudge them back into alignment. The "Twist" Method: When removing an AM4 cooler, twist it slightly

Unlike Intel’s LGA (Land Grid Array) or AMD’s newer AM5 socket—which put pins on the motherboard—AM4 uses a PGA (Pin Grid Array) design. This means the pins are on the CPU itself.

Understanding the is crucial for both enthusiasts building high-performance rigs and those attempting to save a processor after a mishap. This guide breaks down the architecture of the 1331-pin socket that defined a generation of AMD computing. The AM4 Architecture: A 1,331-Pin Powerhouse