CPU burn ups; options

[DanDaMan315]

My friend's CPU burned up. It was a 2.4ghz P4, in a Gateway. There was so much dust on the heatsink (about 3/4") that the fan wasn't blowing any air onto it. The computer therefor died, and that leaves him with a few options.

Either he:

(1) Just buys a new 478 P4 and slap it in.

(2) Buys a new A64 CPU and Mobo (with agp)

I was leaning toward the latter option simply because a 2800 with a cheap mobo would beat out an equally priced 2.8 P4. If the AMD solution is chosen I will probably get him a 754 setup, he most likely won't be overclocking, he's not going to be dropping a new proc in any time soon, and he has an existing GF4 which fits his needs just fine. He'll also be buying a gig of ram, he's running 256 right now which simply put...is not enough.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

ok..so what. do you need any suggestions/opinion? if so. what peripherals are needed or already have?

 

[eXx08]

AMD will simply outperform a 2.8 intel. Get what you said the #2 option.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

be aware a new setup will require a fresh installation of the os. unless you're doing that method to keep the original data.

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: wafflesandsyrup
be aware a new setup will require a fresh installation of the os. unless you're doing that method to keep the original data.

Yes it may be harder but I think it will be worth it. You will have to have an experience with building a PC or you could just have a local Buisness do it for you.

 

[DanDaMan315]

Originally posted by: thekillerjks

Originally posted by: wafflesandsyrup
be aware a new setup will require a fresh installation of the os. unless you're doing that method to keep the original data.

Yes it may be harder but I think it will be worth it. You will have to have an experience with building a PC or you could just have a local Buisness do it for you.

The real issue here is Price/Preformance ratio, I'm kind of looking for a "price/preformance sweet spot" to set my friend up at.

 

[DanDaMan315]

Bump for more opinions.

 

[LTC8K6]

It's pretty unlikely that a P4 burned up in the manner you describe.

3/4" of dust? That's pretty unlikely too.

In any event, it's pretty hard to burn up a P4, since they have built in overheat protection that works very well.

 

[imported_g33k]

Well it just depends on his budget. The p4 by itself would be cheaper than an A64+mobo. The A64 will give him more performance though. But you will need to reformat windows if you go the A64 route.

 

[IEC]

Originally posted by: DanDaMan315
My friend's CPU burned up. It was a 2.4ghz P4, in a Gateway. There was so much dust on the heatsink (about 3/4") that the fan wasn't blowing any air onto it. The computer therefor died, and that leaves him with a few options.

Either he:

(1) Just buys a new 478 P4 and slap it in.

(2) Buys a new A64 CPU and Mobo (with agp)

I was leaning toward the latter option simply because a 2800 with a cheap mobo would beat out an equally priced 2.8 P4. If the AMD solution is chosen I will probably get him a 754 setup, he most likely won't be overclocking, he's not going to be dropping a new proc in any time soon, and he has an existing GF4 which fits his needs just fine. He'll also be buying a gig of ram, he's running 256 right now which simply put...is not enough.

#2

 

[Vernor]

Yes it may be harder but I think it will be worth it. You will have to have an experience with building a PC or you could just have a local Buisness do it for you.

The former means every time he has a problem with the computer, he calls you...

 

[LTC8K6]

It's likely the board or the PS, not the P4, so it would make sense to be looking at a new setup.

 

[vrbaba]

you sure the cpu died? Which 2.4 does he have?
2.4b (533 fsb) or the 2.4c (800) or regular (400) ... the heatsink would still have been attached, and should be working ok. It seems unlikely, but not out of the question, that just cus the fan stopped blowing the cpu dies...it would usually just shut off with a BSOD. my 2.4b runs about at 30c with the heatsink/fan. Even if the temp goes up to 55...the cpu will work.

Anyways, if it is indeed the cpu... seems like u are asking 2 broad questions...Do you get a replacement cpu, or a new computer?
Its up to you what you really want to do and how much u willing to spend. You can get another cpu 2.4 for less than 100...and no extra work. A new setup with cost you time, labor, and possible reformat, and more in terms of cost.
if you decide what you want...we can give you suggestions... although all the AMD lovers have already tried to steer you in that direction. If your current setup satisfies your need (or ur friend's rather) you just want a new setup for the heck it? If it doesnt, and he doesnt overclock...whats the point....but on the other hand, if he actually wants a better faster (new) computer..then go for it.

 

[aplefka]

I actually had the same thing just happen to me, except that the bond between the thermal compound was just not as good, so I went out and bought a new hs/fan and put it on, but for some reason didn't work. I went to take off the CPU to try re-pasting it and using less compound and it fell off and bent pins.

This is my thinking:

In the next year or two, things are going to change so drastically with the new BTX form factor coming out as well as the move towards PCIe and SLI that whatever decision your friend and I make, we need to be willing to stick with it for a couple years. That means spending a little more now for a little newer technology that way it lasts longer. If your friend is not an avid gamer then I really see no need for you to build an entire new setup.

 

[DanDaMan315]

I'm pretty sure it burned up, it apparently smelled like electrical burning. And I don't see why the motherboard would be burned up if the CPU fan was covered in dust. And no joke when I say 3/4" of dust, it was very, very disgusting.

 

[sniperruff]

just grab one of those celeron-D's. im pretty sure that your friend won't notice the difference between anything since he lets the CPU burn to death.

 

[DanDaMan315]

Well I'm pretty much set on getting the AMD system for him now.

Now I just have to decide which components. Thinking I'll get him 754 b/c he has an AGP card, and the mobo's are cheaper.

 

[DanDaMan315]

Originally posted by: vrbaba
you sure the cpu died? Which 2.4 does he have?
2.4b (533 fsb) or the 2.4c (800) or regular (400) ... the heatsink would still have been attached, and should be working ok. It seems unlikely, but not out of the question, that just cus the fan stopped blowing the cpu dies...it would usually just shut off with a BSOD. my 2.4b runs about at 30c with the heatsink/fan. Even if the temp goes up to 55...the cpu will work.

Anyways, if it is indeed the cpu... seems like u are asking 2 broad questions...Do you get a replacement cpu, or a new computer?
Its up to you what you really want to do and how much u willing to spend. You can get another cpu 2.4 for less than 100...and no extra work. A new setup with cost you time, labor, and possible reformat, and more in terms of cost.
if you decide what you want...we can give you suggestions... although all the AMD lovers have already tried to steer you in that direction. If your current setup satisfies your need (or ur friend's rather) you just want a new setup for the heck it? If it doesnt, and he doesnt overclock...whats the point....but on the other hand, if he actually wants a better faster (new) computer..then go for it.

The CPU was hot enough to give blisters. The thing was really, really hot.

 

[wetcat007]

Take a shotgun to the gateway!

 

[fatty4ksu]

Christ, just buy another 478

 

[Kogan]

You can get a 939 nforce3 motherboard with an agp slot for around $85 new or less (refurbished). The problem is with the cpu - the cheapest processor that will fit in one is about $150 new for an a64 3000+ 939pin. But you can upgrade it later to an X2 or FX if needed and won't be stuck with a 754 board and processor that no one wants to buy.

But seriously, I'd really just replace the intel cpu and use the money you have left over to buy a new video card. If you're a gamer, that would give you the best bang for the buck (and a lot less hassle).

Also invest in a can of compressed air and leave it on the computer desk so your friend will remember to clean the CPU heatsink every month or so

 

[DanDaMan315]

My friend is a very light gamer, a video card is not necessary right now. He says that his current (now considered previous) computer was a piece of sh!t and he needs an upgrade. His mom (he's 15) will probably fork out money for the upgrades so he may as well go for it. I'd really like to get him a Venice setup but I'm not sure about the PCI-E. Those processors overclock so well that I could just do it for him and just let it sit there.