Member Avatar for eventhorizon

The computer stopped working, in a previous question I detailed all the stuff that I did to it trying to find the problem. But I just got POST card so it all narrowed down to a "no-c" code which means the CPU is faulty. I did again all the procedures that may make it work and are also recommended in the POST card manual (removed, put it back in, new thermal paste, cleaned fan, by the way it was completely clogged with dust right between the fan and the CPU when I started working on it).

The machine does go into BIOS and I can change stuff around if I want with out shutting down (which is what it does when I try to run anything else, including Windows repair disk).

Do I need to change the CPU or also the motherboard?

Thank you!!!

ps. This is the other thread before I got the POST card,
** Add to that I already tested with two other Power supply units.

http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread297497.html

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Brief expert note tied to the thread: ’s POST‑card reading of “no‑C” while still being able to enter BIOS makes the problem ambiguous. Accessing BIOS requires the CPU to execute firmware instructions, so the processor is not completely dead — but intermittent CPU faults, damaged socket pins, or motherboard power‑delivery (VRM) failures can produce the exact behaviour described. POST (Power‑On Self‑Test) — Wikipedia. (en.wikipedia.org)

Practical next checks (low cost, low risk): perform a minimal “bench” boot with only the motherboard, CPU + cooler, one stick of RAM, and PSU (add video only if required), reset/clear CMOS, and confirm the 4/8‑pin CPU power lead is seated. Visually inspect the CPU power area and VRM caps for swelling or burn marks. Verify the POST‑card’s code map against its manual — POST card codes and BIOS diagnostics are not universal and can be misleading if interpreted without the card/mobo documentation. Motherboard LED / bench‑test guidance — Lifewire. (lifewire.com) Example POST‑card manual (KLP6). (scribd.com)

Inspect the socket and contacts carefully: bent LGA socket pins or bent PGA CPU pins cause intermittent POST/boot failure and behave exactly like this. iFixit shows safe inspection/straightening techniques if minor bends are found. If bench tests still fail, the definitive diagnostic is a parts swap — a known‑good CPU in the suspect board or the suspect CPU in a known‑good board — which cleanly identifies which component needs replacement. How to check/fix bent CPU pins — iFixit. (ifixit.com) . ()

Action priority: 1) minimal bench boot and CMOS reset, 2) confirm CPU 12V connector and inspect VRM caps/socket pins, 3) perform swap test if possible (or have a shop perform it). If swapping is not possible and the bench checks show visible board damage or persistent instability, the motherboard is the likeliest replacement; if a known‑good board accepts the CPU and the system becomes stable, the CPU should be replaced.

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Member Avatar for finito

Ok, so can you clarify the following, is the system booting?

If so what is the problem?

Do you mean it won't go past the BIOS screen?

Please elaborate.

Member Avatar for eventhorizon

Ok, so can you clarify the following, is the system booting?

If so what is the problem?

Do you mean it won't go past the BIOS screen?

Please elaborate.

Check the link to my other posting.

Member Avatar for finito

So the System reaches the point where it lets you choose Safe Mode, but when you choose anything it just shuts down or restarts?

Correct?


If so, This doesn't seem to be a hardware fault.
To confirm Lets try run a Virtual environment on your current System.

Please goto http://www.LinuxMint.com, Download The ISO, and Burn it on to a CD.

No Boot from the CD and choose the first Option. Give it a few minutes to load, once loaded you will get a full fledged Linux Operating system running from your CD. Nothing is installed yet.

Now if you get this far I advice you back up your data, you can access your harddrive from LinuxMint LiveCD.

From here you may have two options, I am assuming you got this far without any problems, Format and install LinuxMint (Or the many Distros to choose from) or Windows.

Please visit this section for more information on Linux http://www.daniweb.com/forums/forum120.html

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