Best Replacement for Dead 1.6A?

[Nighthawk69]

Hey All-

It looks like my P4 1.6A has become damaged from a recent storm we had that killed our router as well. It had started hard locking Linux (which never happens) and a few days later it would not even boot. We elimintated the RAM, HDD and video card from the problem, so all that leaves is the motherboard or CPU. The system POST's fine, although it won't boot Windows XP (blue screen/reboot) and Linux returns a CPU error on Banks 0 and 3 and has a Kernel Panic error. I get that same error when booting from Knoppix, a CD-only version of Linux. So, I'm assuming that Linux is right and it is the CPU that is damaged in some way.

Therefore, my question is, what is the best replacement for a 1.6A @ 2480Mhz right now? I run an ASUS P4B266-C with 512MB Samsung Original @ DDR413.

Also note, the overclocking was not the issue as it gives the same errors when everything is at default settings.

What is recommended here?

Thanks!

 

[THUGSROOK]

long time no see N69
try using some dos type utilities ~ and dont boot an OS.
something like memtest86 (all 11 tests) at default speed ~ see what ya get.

HTH

 

[Nighthawk69]

Will do. Thanks Thugs!

 

[Nighthawk69]

No errors on the first pass through all tests on memtest86.

What should I do next?

 

[THUGSROOK]

thats a good sign ~ moboard and ram may be ok.

still cant boot an OS at default speed tho right?
but it can boot an OS from CDrom?
maybe the IDE has fried? or are you using a PCI card?

(just wanna pin point what actually problem is before spending $)

 

[Nighthawk69]

I cannot boot an OS from a CDROM nor can I boot any OS from a hard drive. Linux on my HDD reports the same CPU context error and halts at that point as does Knoppix, a Linux distro on a CDROM. WinXP just bluescreens and restarts the PC before you even reach the loading screen--a lot of help that is

Any ideas?

 

[THUGSROOK]

well, we already know its either the board or the CPU.
tryin to think of some way to isolate the problem... (other then replacements)

are you using the 1.7v wire mod?
have you tried booting the system @ 66fsb in jumper mode?

ds5-6-7-8-9
OFF ON ON ON ON = 66 FSB

...could be both have died

 

[Nighthawk69]

I am using the wire mod, but I have wanted to exercise all other options/tests before ripping the CPU apart

The thing that gets me is Linux reports a specific problem with the CPU, which makes me thing it would be the issue. If the mobo was messed up, you would think I would not even be able to run the memory tests before it locked up.

Are there any CPU tests that I can run off a floppy? Something like Prime95 maybe...?

 

[Nighthawk69]

OK, I found a bootable SETI floppy I had that uses the Linux Router Project. When it boots, it goes a little ways then has a kernel panic error, like my other Linux distros were having, and says, "failed to allocate buffer hash table." That sounds like a CPU error to me, but maybe I'm wrong. Whatcha think?

 

[THUGSROOK]

try that same test ~
remove the wire mod, run default voltage, and run 66fsb ~
if it still fails id say its definately CPU.

 

[Nighthawk69]

OK, I'm going out tonight so I'll fool with it when I get back or tomorrow morning. I'll report back.

Thanks Thugs!!

 

[Nighthawk69]

Reseated the 1.6A w/o the wire mod.
Set jumpers to 66mhz FSB.

Same error.

So, if the CPU is gone, which Northwood is the 'best buy' right now for overclocking in my P4B266-C? Besides a surge protector, obviously, what do you recommend I buy?

 

[THUGSROOK]

sorry to hear its dead
the moboard could still also be dead too

1.8A is the cheapest right now and should easily get you 2700mhz 150fsb
if ya need a board the P4B533 is still top rated.

<EDIT> where you able to check your voltages in bios?

 

[Nighthawk69]

Yes, all voltages checked out and looked good.

 

[THUGSROOK]

double checking the PSU on another system wouldnt be bad idea
(just to be sure)

 

[Nighthawk69]

I don't really have another system I could easily check it on, but the voltages are all good and stable--right where they always were. Linux wouldn't be reporting a very specific CPU error like it is now if there was a power issue, because I've been through the power stuff when I first got my 1.6A, and now I run dualies--one dedicated PSU just for the mobo. I don't see any issue there, personally, but maybe you can explain?

I guess I'll order up a 1.8A from Newegg then wire trick it and throw it in there when it gets here.

Edit: I will probably RMA the 1.6A after I get the 1.8A replacement as the problem was a result of a power surge and nothing I had control over. I may also be able to get a replacement/compensation from the power company for both the CPU and the router as I know a friend who did when some of his stuff got taken out.

Thanks Thugs!