none taken ih8bills. I used one of those key-chain vons club cards(detached from the key chain of course) to straighten the pins. The thermal grease is only on the upper side of the cpu. Finally, when I turn on the computer without memory, i get the same result...no beeps.
I guess i didn't bend the pins back exactly perfectly because I had to push the cpu a little to get it in, but i didn't have to force it and there are no signs of bent pins.
Thanks for the input.

Then i'd say replace the motherboard, and if it still doesn't work the CPU.

But i'm more inclined to believe the board is faulty, as there were no beeps when the memory was uninstalled.

ok, i'll try replacing the motherboard then...while we're on that subject, have you used or know of anyone who has used the motherboard with both agp and pci-e? its from asrock and I think its called the dual 939, and I'm seriously considering getting it because it would allow me to use my 9800 pro and then get a pci-e card later. I just wanted to know what your opinion of that board was. thanks

Hi esquilax, yes i have seen and used one of those...in the last couple of weeks actually...not sure on performance issues, but they are a good idea for cheap upgrading.