CPU keeps going bad

[kidedward]

Had an intel pentium 4 2.8 ghz. The CPU went bad. I replaced both the CPU and motherboard(same motherboard, just bought a new one), as well as the heatsink. Applied the thermal paste. 2 weeks later the CPU went bad again.

This time, I bought a new case, new Powersupply, new motherboard, athlon xp 3.5ghz. The motherboard and processer, and heatsink were pre-installed from factory.

Used the old hard drive, dvd rom. Had to wipe and re-install windows.

1 week later, CPU bad for the third time!


This computer is always on the same surge protector. Temperature readings were always relitively similar to the other 3 computers I have built .. . all of which have no problems.

Any suggestions?

 

[Chankama]

What exactly do you mean by "CPU went bad". Please describe the symptoms exactly.

 

[kidedward]

No post, no system beeps. Monitor continues to display "No Video". Hard drive and fans were spinning. Plugged it to a working monitor just in case. Still no video.

I tried taking out memory one at a time, using known working memory. Took all accessories out one at a time. Put everything back in but put a new CPU in and it worked fine. Fearful that perhaps the motherboard wasn't regulating the fan on the heatsink correctly, or the heatsink fan wasn't sufficient, I bought a new motherboard and heatsink. Installed with thermal grease.

Computer was fine for 2 weeks, then same symptoms. Went down with "no video" after trying to restart it. Fans spinning, hard drive active. No post.

Not sure what in the world was wrong, I replaced all componets except the hard drive, dvd rom, and memory (and video, forgot about that). The motherboard was pre-installed with the heatsink and cpu.

Computer worked great for a week. Then, again.

Same problem. Switching to a working monitor doesn't get a picture. No post, no beep. Hard drive spins, dvd powers on.

While active, my temp reads were similar to the other 3 computers I have built but have no problems.


I was starting to think maybe it was a bad outlet and surge protector?

 

[FlashDude]

Do you know how unlikely it is for one cpu to go bad?? You have three? I find that very hard to beleive. What you discribe is almost always a bad motherboard not a bad CPU. Can I have your old "BAD" cpu's lol

 

[Law]

Do you know how unlikely it is for one cpu to go bad?? You have three? I find that very hard to beleive. What you discribe is almost always a bad motherboard not a bad CPU. Can I have your old "BAD" cpu's lol

That's what I'm thinking also, but the bad power outlet could be a factor. Sound like an incompatibility with the motherboard and video card. If you hear no POST beeps it means CPU or motherboard.

 

[kidedward]

The motherboard was fully functional. The only difference in starting the system was a replacement of CPU.

I tested it further today, the 3 CPU's each fail to boot in other systems that are known to work.

Oh well. The computer tech I took the computer to said the same thing. Very unlikely, but the CPU's were definitely bad. He suggested replacing the power supply with a more name brand one that has an automatic shutoff on power surges, change outlets in case of dirty power, and buy a real APC surge protector/batter backup. Use a cheap CPU for the first month or so . . . then switch to a real one after the situation has not recreated itself.