Done_Fishin

Something was giving me a gut feeling that I was talking with someone of the opposite gender but I didn't want to put it in writing because if you had been a guy you'd probably have flamed me for it!! I almost did but then erased everything and started over again. One of the shops where I used to get my second hand stuff had a young lass working for them for years .. unfortunately she had left the last time I went visiting. I can appreciate your position though! btw I didn't know what AM2 was either and I reckon I know enough to know I don't know everything!!
About the only advice I can give right now is be patient, I know you're in one hell of a spot where your boyfriend and family are concerned, but until such time as you find a test board and CPU, you really have no other choice.
Do the pins on the CPU look as though they've been damaged to the naked eye ? What about the mobo? Do you think that someone might notice if they got sent back under warranty? It's another possibility although a tad deceitful!

btw I reckon your boyfriend will be suffering more than you ... since he persuaded them to let you do the work. Don't try to defend yourself or wriggle when piut in the spotlight. Find a solution as quickly as you can and prove to them that in spite of things going wrong, you are able to do the work and get yourself out of trouble when things do go sour. Also show them that you don't panic and take control of the situation in a manner that is professional. It may not take away the sting from the situation right now but inthe future it should lead you in good stead. By taking a firm control over this and sorting it out in a professional manner you will stop them from using the situation against you at any time in the future.