CPU fried?

[nikko]

A couple of weeks ago my computer started acting up. I couldn't get any video. I swapped out nearly every component before settling on the power supply as the source of my problem. After working for a little while, I started getting the same problem although not consistently. I have a Celeron 533 overclocked to 800 and I'm wondering if the cpu might be damaged. Is it possible that it's damaged but still occassionaly functioning or would it just not work at all if it were damaged?

 

[Bartman39]

Sounds more like a board problem "OR" it might be time to change the oil in your processor (I mean the thermal compound it tends to dry out and lose transfer properties-thermal) What voltage have you been using to get the CPU to 800??? Also what type of cooling??? More information always helps to define a problem (full system spec`s)...

 

[nikko]

I don't remember what I was running the voltage at when it was stable, but since getting it back up I've tried everything from 1.60 to 1.75. I'm running the cpu on a ABit BF6 using an ABit slot ket, with a Golden Orb for cooling. I've got a 20 Gig DiamondMax HD, 128 MB PC 133 RAM, a voodoo3 2000 (AGP) and a Soundblaster Live (new drivers installed). Any ideas?

 

[Nack]

Why does this remind me of a Rice Crispies commercial? Snap... Crackle... Pop...

Ok, sorry, couldn't resist.

Seriously, you might try cleaning your heatsink. When sinks get dirty (and you often can't see it under the fan) they don't dissipate heat nearly as well, as the dust acts like an insulator. The suggestion about replacing your thermal compound is also a good one. As a last resort, make sure that your heatsink (BUT NOT YOUR CELEMINE) is perfectly flat by sanding it with fine sandpaper. While you are at it, check your memory timings. Are you running it at 2-2-2 settings? If so, try running it down to 2-3-2 or 3-3-3 and see if the problems go away.

Good luck,

Nack

 

[Instigator]

I have another suggestion. I just had a friend who has a Celeron 300a@450 that started randomly crashing after a few hours of being turned on. We found out that the fan on his heatsink was going bad and not running at the proper rpm. We replaced the fan and bingo the system was stable again. So check your fan on your heatsink. It is truely amazing how a few degrees makes the total difference between a stable system and an unstable system. Good luck.