Member Avatar for EdwardG

Heres how it started out

I left my computer on last night went to school and got home around 3 PM. turned off my pc. turned it back on a few hours later to listen to music. 30 mins later my computer just retarts on its own. ok? not normal. left it off for 30min. turned it back on and now my comp starts freezing up. try to re install windows... now its shutting off! ouch... this really hurts as I have things to turn in for school and whatnot.

I try to get to the BIOS by repidly pressing F2 and some screen poped up [ with the specs etc] and at the bottom it said that the system was shut do due to overheating etc. So i bought some new thermal compound paste and removed the old one. [alcohol with clog]. I reset the BIOs [ by switching the BIOs thingy located around the bottom of the memory slots ] and tried to reinstall them with my intel CD. When I turn on my pc now my monitor would not display anything nor would my mouse or keyboard light up.

Specs:
Intel 3Ghz Socket T
1 G RAM
2x 200GB Hard Drives
Audigy Sound Card

Thanks for your help,

Ed

ps. i do remember a long wierd beep before the signal dropped it was like beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep im not sure if it followed some rapid beeps after. i do believe i was holdin down the enter key

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Dani AI

Generated

This thread already has two useful directions: flagged heatsink/thermal-paste issues and suggested a CMOS reset. Below are focused, practical steps to prove whether the CPU is actually dead and the realistic next moves (warranty, replacement, or professional bench test).

Minimal bench-test to isolate the fault

  • Work on a nonconductive surface and remove all nonessential peripherals and cards.
  • Fit only the CPU, its cooler/fan, one known-good RAM module (in the slot the manual recommends), PSU, and video output if the board needs it. Connect a system speaker if available.
  • Power on and watch POST lights/beeps or a POST-code display. Record any beep pattern or code — BIOS vendors differ, so the pattern is diagnostic.
  • If there is still no POST, swap in a known-good motherboard or borrow a known-good CPU. One of those swaps is the fastest way to prove the CPU is bad.

What to inspect before assuming a DOA CPU

  • Look for physical damage: discoloration, burn marks, lifted/bent pins (on socketed types), or swollen caps on the board.
  • Smell for burnt electronics near the socket.
  • Verify the CPU fan header actually receives power and the cooler is mounted evenly.

If testing points to CPU failure

  • Contact the CPU vendor or the retailer you bought it from with the processor markings and proof of purchase; many manufacturers require a receipt for RMA. If warranty has lapsed, a local shop can usually confirm the diagnosis and offer a low-cost replacement or test service. When shipping for RMA, use anti-static packaging and follow the vendor’s RMA instructions.

Preventive notes

  • Use 90%+ isopropyl for cleaning and let it fully evaporate before powering up. Use a thin, even layer of thermal compound and avoid conductive pastes near contacts. Keep receipts/packaging when possible for warranty claims.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

One common mistake is too much of a good thing ie.. thermal grease.

Recheck that you dont have goo running over the sides of the cpu.

Did you allow enough time for the alcohol to dry before trying to power up.?

Recheck that the heatsink is properly secured... and plugged in..

Member Avatar for EdwardG

nope. i checked the grease and it doesnt seem to be running inside the cpu. the heatsink is properly mounted.

Member Avatar for Lightninghawk

I assume you are or were running XP SP2?

You might try using F12 for boot menu info and F8 for Safe mode options.
After of course we get your computer starting..


Ok....

First. What kind of Motherboard are we working with? This will at least tell me where you need to look for the CMOS jumpers.

If you know where the CMOS jumpers are. Move the jumpers off pins 1 & 2 onto 2 & 3 ... wait 30 seconds and switch them back.

Try to boot.

If this fails.

Switch the jumpers back to 2 & 3 and attempt to boot. Immediately shut down as soon as anything happens. and switch the jumpers back to 1 & 2.. then attempt to boot...


This should atleast do something ;)...

Member Avatar for EdwardG

I bought another psu and motherboard... seems like the cpu is dead. wish i hadnt thrown out the retail box and stuff... or is the warranty still valid?

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