Foo - What's wrong with my computer?

Starting about 4 or 5 days ago, my computer started overheating all the time. I have a program called SpeedFan than tells me a few different temperatures in the computer. Temp1 stayed pretty much the same at about 30C. When the computer was idling, Temp2 and Temp3 were usually about 40C. However, whenever I started to browse certain websites (such as youtube, facebook, or photobucket) or play simple old games (such as diablo ii), Temp2 and Temp3 would go up to 55C or 56C, and the computer would shut itself off.

I figured maybe the fans and heatsink were clogged with dust, so I took them out and cleaned them off, and put new thermal paste (silicone) between the processor/heatsink. However, now when I turn on my computer, it will not boot up. Both the case fan and heatsink fan run at full speed, but the computer will just sit there. I'm pretty sure I hooked everything back up correctly (I only had to unplug one fan).

What do you think is wrong with my computer? Did the processor get fried? Are the temperature sensors whack? Did I accidentilly drip thermal paste on the motherboard and cause a short?

slap the case really hard while mumblecursing.

you could place the computer on a block of dry ice each time you wish to compute....that should keep it nice and cool

slap the case really hard while mumblecursing.

This has cured several problems with this computer in the past, but no luck this time.

Check the CPU heatsink.

It may not be fastened down properly.

Check the CPU heatsink.

It may not be fastened down properly.

I'm pretty sure it's on there correctly.

Make sure to try some uncoventional combinations of profanity. Do not underestimate the power of a really creative mumblecurse.

It could be that your CPU finally bit the dust.

I'd recommend replacing it with a Pentium II or better.

You let the magic blue smoke out.

It could be that your CPU finally bit the dust.

I'd recommend replacing it with a Pentium II or better.

haha...I have an old Dell with Windows 95, 96 Mb of Ram, 4 Gig harddrive, and a 233 MHz Pentium II processor that I've been using while my main computer is down. Unfortunately, I have no way to connect to the internet with the old computer, so all I can do is play really old games on it.

The problem is most likely due to laminar air flow over the effected components. Placing a turbulator on the discharge of the fan should resolve the issue. If not, take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

The processor that's in it right now is a Pentium 4 LGA775 2.93 GHz, 533 MHz FSB (I think), 1 MB cache (I think), and non-HyperThreading.

If I wanted to replace it, would this guy (http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Computer-Processor-BX80547PG2800E/dp/B0002IX90I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233676492&sr=1-1) work?

You let the magic blue smoke out.

^this, if true, cannot be cured by mumblecursing.

Shooting in the dark, did you at any point remove your RAM sticks? Just for sanity, re-seat them as well as the processor. If it's still blank, try removing all expansion cards and re-insert them one at a time, starting with the processor and RAM, until you find the problem (if you find it at all).

Did you ground yourself while doing that work? Very rarely, static charge can fry hardware components when working ungrounded, so that might be a possibility.

You have Socket 775, so it really depends on your motherboard. That processor is pretty good, but you might have other options (Pentium D, Core Solo, Core Duo, Core II Duo, etc.)

haha...I have an old Dell with Windows 95, 96 Mb of Ram, 4 Gig harddrive, and a 233 MHz Pentium II processor that I've been using while my main computer is down. Unfortunately, I have no way to connect to the internet with the old computer, so all I can do is play really old games on it.

Untrue. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-cWpkzxoA4&feature=related)

Shooting in the dark, did you at any point remove your RAM sticks? Just for sanity, re-seat them as well as the processor. If it's still blank, try removing all expansion cards and re-insert them one at a time, starting with the processor and RAM, until you find the problem (if you find it at all).

Did you ground yourself while doing that work? Very rarely, static charge can fry hardware components when working ungrounded, so that might be a possibility.

Didn't remove RAM, but I did reseat it just to be sure, but did not fix the problem. I did take out the processor to clean it off, but I'm pretty sure I got it re-seated pretty well again. And no, I was not grounded.

Lets see....

There's a chance you might have bumped one of the cards or memory chips. Try reseating all of them. As for your CPU shutting down, the BIOS settings might have been set to shut down the computer when the CPU hits a certain temperature. You could probably bump it up 60-65 degrees C. Heck most CPUs can run at 100 degrees C no problem (the GPUs on my video cards do), the low shutdown temperature is just there to protect you in case the heat sink pops off somehow or you didn't attach it.

And silicone paste? You need to switch to Arctic Silver (http://www.arcticsilver.com/) (i prefer their Ceramique paste). :D

Lets see....

There's a chance you might have bumped one of the cards or memory chips. Try reseating all of them. As for your CPU shutting down, the BIOS settings might have been set to shut down the computer when the CPU hits a certain temperature. You could probably bump it up 60-65 degrees C. Heck most CPUs can run at 100 degrees C no problem (the GPUs on my video cards do), the low shutdown temperature is just there to protect you in case the heat sink pops off somehow or you didn't attach it.

The OEM BIOS from Acer doesn't let me change many settings. I've had issues with it before trying to upgrade RAM (see thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=232336)). And I can't even access the BIOS right now since the comp just sits there spinning its fans upon powering up.


And silicone paste? You need to switch to Arctic Silver (http://www.arcticsilver.com/) (i prefer their Ceramique paste). :D

But the silver stuff was like Five Dollars more! :eek:

Also, the cpu fan has always run obnoxiously loud all the time. (see old thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=261080&highlight=))

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/hardcorepc_reactor?page=0%2C0
Total liquid immersion?

Dip it in a chocolate fondue fountain.

Dip it in a chocolate fondue fountain.

Oh sure. That's your answer for everything.

Also, the cpu fan has always run obnoxiously loud all the time. (see old thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=261080&highlight=))

Try replacing the fan; it might be faulty. Either that, or try replacing the heatsink.

The only two reasons why the fan would be going at full throttle that often are because of inadequate cooling to the CPU or (if applicable) the GPU, or (less likely) because of a bad fan.

While Jsharr's initial diagnosis was a step in the right direction,,, it sounds like you are ready for the USMC approved diagnostic regime. It is called the Drop Check. You start with a 1' drop check, if that fails proceed to the 2' drop check, followed incrementally until you can no longer lift the asset any higher or you have permanently "fixed" the problem to such an extent that supply will issue you a new asset.

While Jsharr's initial diagnosis was a step in the right direction,,, it sounds like you are ready for the USMC approved diagnostic regime. It is called the Drop Check. You start with a 1' drop check, if that fails proceed to the 2' drop check, followed incrementally until you can no longer lift the asset any higher or you have permanently "fixed" the problem to such an extent that supply will issue you a new asset.

Sheer, brilliant, unadulterated genius can be found in the above post. :lol::lol:

Mumblecursing would not even be needed here. I think that shouting at the assest DI style might be in order.

The processor that's in it right now is a Pentium 4 LGA775 2.93 GHz, 533 MHz FSB (I think), 1 MB cache (I think), and non-HyperThreading.

If I wanted to replace it, would this guy (http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Computer-Processor-BX80547PG2800E/dp/B0002IX90I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233676492&sr=1-1) work?First, let's identify your MB's specs (bus-speed, chipset, etc.). Great utility for this is Aida32 (http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/AIDA.shtml). If your MB is 533mhz, you'll only be able to use 533mhz-bus CPUs. A lot of aftermarket MBs have variable bus-speeds that's determined by the BSEL pin-IDs on the CPU, but OEM boards from Acer, Dell, etc. typically don't have the flexibility to run at any other speed than their original specifications. You'll also need faster memory if the MB will support faster bus-speeds.

The chipset is also a significant factor in upgrades. You'll need a minimum of i945 chipset to run dual-core CPUs. Most likely you've got an i865 chipset. Aida32 will let you know more. Good luck!

Are you at all getting bios beeps? This is very helpful. If you're not getting any at all then it's time to consider that you've done alot more than just mess with your cpu. beep codes will help diagnose the problem but if you're not getting any then you may have put a power cable on backwards, it can happen, which is keeping the system from even booting up.

In cases like this, if you have the cash, its a good excuse to build another machine, move any parts that are movable and the stuff that is left (usually the old case/mobo/CPU and often the RAM) either put into storage, or donate to Goodwill. I've "upgraded" machines like this for years. Its sort of like the "hundred year old" hammer where the head and the handle periodically get replaced.

There are a few things that can cause this.

- The Fan on the CPU may have failed
- The fins of the heatsink are full of dust and can no longer pass air
- Both

Those cpu fans have almost no torque so if there is dust in the fan, it may not be able to start from a dead stop.

The heatsink is free of dust, and all of the fans are spinning fine. There are no beeps from the BIOS.

The motherboard is an ECS 915GV-M5A from an Acer Power FV exactly like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120325491561). Not sure right now what the bus speed is.

I'd rather not have to buy a whole new mobo and processor, etc. I want to spend as little money as possible on this computer.

The heatsink is free of dust, and all of the fans are spinning fine. There are no beeps from the BIOS.

The motherboard is an ECS 915GV-M5A from an Acer Power FV exactly like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120325491561). Not sure right now what the bus speed is.

I'd rather not have to buy a whole new mobo and processor, etc. I want to spend as little money as possible on this computer.

Be very careful here. If the bus speed drops below 55, the thing will blow up.

^^

:notamused:

Well, I don't know what to do...should I just try to replace the processor? Get a new heatsink and fan? A whole new motherboard? Being without a working computer makes me sad...

Ok, ordered a new mobo (http://www.ascendtech.us/Itemdesc.asp?ic=MB4ASUSP5GTVM&eq=&Tp=), processor (http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=CP4LGA7752881MB&eq=&Tp=), and heatsink/fan (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835101013). I should be able to just switch over the rest of my components. If I can get it to work with just a new processor, or just a new mobo, I'll send back the unused components.

honestly.. if you're gonna replace the processor you might as well switch it all out..

So I got the new mobo, processor, and heatsink in and the computer is working now...sorta. I'm on the internet, unfortunately, internet explorer crashes constantly. Also, the mobo's onboard sound doesn't work. "Multimedia Audio Controller" is not configured correctly.

You just swapped the harddrive over and it booted? Normally have to reinstall windows from scratch.

The board should come with drivers for the onboard sound.

Put the dust back in.. it was an integral piece of the puzzle.

haha...I have an old Dell with Windows 95, 96 Mb of Ram, 4 Gig harddrive, and a 233 MHz Pentium II processor that I've been using while my main computer is down. Unfortunately, I have no way to connect to the internet with the old computer, so all I can do is play really old games on it.

thats planty to connect to the internet, I've had lessor.

You just swapped the harddrive over and it booted? Normally have to reinstall windows from scratch.

The board should come with drivers for the onboard sound.

I had to re-activate and register windows, but otherwise it was fine.

I don't know why the onboard sound isn't working. It is Realtek ALC655...I tried searching for and installing a driver for it, but it did nothing. Thinking I might just spend $10 on a pci sound card.

Internet explorer is crashing less often, but still a nuisance.

You've got phantom devices and drivers in your Windows configuration due to swapping MB without doing a clean install of Windows. You need to clean it up first before trying to install new drivers.

1. go to Add/RemovePrograms and uninstall every piece of hardware-related software for your old MB, most likely you still have sound-card driver/software for old MB installed.

2. delete all *.pnf and oem*.* files from \windows\inf

3. open up a command prompt, type in SET DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1 <enter>

4. then DEVMGMT.MSC <enter> to bring up the DeviceManager

5. from the menu-bar, pull down VIEW -> SHOW HIDDEN DEVICES

6. expand each section and delete ALL the greyed-out phantom devices carried over from your old MB

7. quit DeviceManager

8. run the Intel Chipset driver installer for that MB

9. reboot

This next time around, it should auto-detect new hardware and ask you for the driver CD and install the correct drivers.