Did your MDD really boot with a Sawtooth CPU module?
GPU (graphic) - not
CPU.
Often confuses me as well.
And he can read most of the letters on his chip after cleaning.
Concern was that not all of previous paste (or other obstruction)
had been removed and that might have kept heatsink from proper
seating / mating. Accustomed to seeing a smooth, even spread of
the paste from sufficient downward pressure via the heatsink clips.
Even after fresh application of paste and the heatsink -
(then removal) the paste should appear more evenly spread.
Unlike the uneven “blobs and voids” look in his previous pic.
Haven’t seen the backside yet, where chip mounts to board.
(To check for evidence of overheat / possible failure.)
Hadn’t considered that someone might have applied paste
after the
total annihilation of the CPU… & before purchase.
Awaiting more info and close inspection of daughter card.