Computer won't post. Fried CPU?

[weiv0004]

Hello,

I was having a problem with my computer where it would crash when attempting to play a game unless i drastically underclocked the CPU. I got some advice to run OCCT to check for errors/overheating. I ran the CPU test a few times with the processor at stock speed. Each time the temp jumped from about 45 idle to 85 pretty much immediately.

After running these tests, i shut down the computer until later that night. The next time i turned on my computer, i couldn't get it to start up properly. At first, it got to the loading windows screen, and then locked up. i restarted. I got to the post screen a few times, although the screen usually displayed some gibberish at this point. (I recall one attempt where the first couple lines of the post screen looked normal, but then the rest of the screen was filled with 2s) Finally, the computer has stopped booting at all.

The computer will power on. The fans start spinning, the lights turn on, but nothing ever displays on screen and i hear no beep codes.

I've tried various solutions: I tore down the computer to the bare minimum, (only ram and CPU installed) i've tried onboard video as well as a graphics card, i've tried 1 stick of ram, i've tried both ram slots. I've removed the CPU HSF, cleaned the old thermal
compound off, reapplied and reinstalled.

No matter what i've tried, i get the same results; spinning fans and lights, but nothing further.

I even (possibly stupidly) tried running the computer without the HSF installed over the CPU. This time the fans/lights came on, but pretty much immediately the computer shut down.

So the question is, have i fried the CPU? Is there something else that might be likely?

Is it time to buy a new computer? It's an old computer, but I'd like to limp it along as long as possible before buying a Macbook Pro for school.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well first of all 85C on a CPU is pretty hot. Thats a good indication of a bad cooler. Continued use at that temp may have caused damage.

Question, did you get beep codes prior to this? Basically does the motherboard have a speaker connected to it to give beep codes?

If you do have a speaker then it should be indicating what the problem is. If it is in fact the CPU then that would confirm the reaction your getting from the PC.

Depending on the system a dead CPU may not be the end of it. You could just pop another CPU in there. But that doesn't mean nothing else is damaged in the system. It could just be some bad capacitors on the motherboard. Have you checked the board for any bulging or leaking capacitors?

 

[weiv0004]

Thanks for the reply!

There is a speaker in the system. It did beep at POST before this problem.

I took a look at the MOBO and haven't noticed anything that looks out of the ordinary.

Unfortunately, this is quite an old system (Socket A MOBO) and i can't just pop out to the store to buy a new CPU, i'll have to find one online if i want to test it

 

[mpilchfamily]

In that case i'd say its time for a new PC. Its quite possible the motherboard is damaged as well. I would hate for you to spend any money on a new/used CPU only to find it needs a new motherboard as well.

 

[Lark888]

It seems likely that the CPU has seen its last days.

This does not mean that the computer is dead forever. I agree with the previous poster that it would not be worth buying a CPU to find out if the MB is also dead forever.

However, I am sure that I have at least one CPU compatible with your motherboard and would be happy to sent it to you (at no cost) - Gotta be able to play Dawn of War with your Dad.

If you post the motherboard or PM me, I will do my best to fix you up.


From Original Post in O/C forum:


• Athlon XP 2600+ crashes during gaming unless underclocked

• Would an Athlon XP 3200+ run cooler at higher speeds? Or would it likely have to be underclocked similar to the 2600?

 

[weiv0004]

Hi Lark888,

Thanks very much for the generous offer, but there is no need. I swung by Microcenter over the weekend and they were having a special (buy a CPU get the MOBO for free) that I couldn't resist.

I ended up with:

Athlon™ II X2 250 Processor
Biostar A780L Motherboard
4 GB OCZ DDR2 Ram

For about $120

I'm using an old PATA hard drive and the same case i had the old build in (Antec Aria)

Currently running the onboard graphics (ATI Radeon HD 3000) which seem to play Dawn of War just fine . . . which i guess isn't that big of a surprise considering the game's age at this point.

The system still runs pretty hot ~47 idle so i'm guessing the case might have a lot to do with it. (PSU is right about the CPU) I'm also using the stock HSF, which i'm sure isn't the best.

I put a slot cooler in and that has taken it down to ~37 idle which makes me more comfortable. If i end up putting a PCI-E graphics card in, that would block the air flow from reaching the CPU though . . . decisions, decisions!

Thanks for the consideration!

 

[Lark888]

Glad you found a great deal on the upgrade -an even better solution.

 

[Devilpapaya]

Well first of all 85C on a CPU is pretty hot. Thats a good indication of a bad cooler. Continued use at that temp may have caused damage.

Depends on the CPU, I7s don't even throttle til they hit 100C. It takes quite a bit of heat to actually melt (read: cause immediate, irreparable damage to) a CPU, the idea behind keeping it cool is to prevent electromigration damage (over the course of many years), extending CPU lifetime.

glad you got it fixed though, sorry for posting in a resolved thread.