Is the CPU bad or the Motherboard?

[shahyan]

Just today I bought an Intel E6600 with an Asus P5N-E SLI from Micro Center.

Well, I came home and plugged everything in, and dang, the thing won't power up. The fan moves for about a millisecond before stopping.

If I take out the CPU from the mobo and try, the CPU fan starts just fine and so does the VGA card.

Am I correct in assuming that it's the CPU that's bad? Or do you think that it may be something with the motherboard that's causing nothing to start up when the CPU is plugged in.

Unfortunately, I have neither an extra CPU nor an extra compatible mobo.

I am thinking I should take both things to Micro Center again, but I am not sure if they will test both things with me. I guess if they don't, then I'll try exchanging the CPU first -- but the drive there is like 40 minutes so I don't want to drive back if it's necessary.

Any recommendations? Anyone else have problems with intel e6600s before right out the box?

 

[Operandi]

Most likely the board of those two components, assuming you know everything else is good.

I've built lots of systems and never had a DOA CPU.

 

[shahyan]

Yeah, I am having a hard time believing that the processor could in fact be bad. I've been around 7 systems in the one year, and have had one instance of a bad motherboard, but never had a bum CPU.

I guess I'll post my findings tomorrow, assuming micro center is willing to help!

 

[Jiggz]

Have the mobo out of the case and then just connect the cpu + HSF, a stick of ram, power sw connector from the case, video card, KB + Mouse, and monitor. Make sure mobo is not touching any metals from the case. Power up. If the problem is still there, have them try the CPU first. But I think with this setup the system will start. If it does, make sure you don't short the mobo from the case when you install it back.

 

[shahyan]

Originally posted by: Jiggz
Have the mobo out of the case and then just connect the cpu + HSF, a stick of ram, power sw connector from the case, video card, KB + Mouse, and monitor. Make sure mobo is not touching any metals from the case. Power up. If the problem is still there, have them try the CPU first. But I think with this setup the system will start. If it does, make sure you don't short the mobo from the case when you install it back.

Thanks Jiggz. Tried this just now. Same thing is happening. If I don't have the CPU in the socket, then the fan starts to run. Of course there is no video because of the lack of a CPU. However, with the CPU in the socket, the fan doesn't even start. I have a high end AM2 setup as well, and both the RAM and the graphics card are definitely working. I have also tested the power supply now. So it's either the motherboard or the CPU.