Dell Poweredge 2650 CPU Issues

[PCBeal23]

Alright, yet another project for my work has come and failed. I'm installing Server 2k3 on this machine and the first two times failed a the system froze. I was finally able to install the OS, but a few minutes after I booted into it, the machine froze, again.

This time, however, the Poweredge monitor displayed "TEMP CPU 2" when it froze. The fans run at near "takeoff" speeds, granting me jibes from my less techie co-workers about how my flight was, lol.

I removed the top cover, but all the fan indicators are green, and after powering up, everything ran fine.

Does anyone have any idea of what might be the problem?

 

[Quiksilver]

Bad heatsink contact?

 

[PCBeal23]

I checked the heatsink: the thermal compound was mixed with some dirt, and there was a hair stuck in it as well. I don't think that's quite enough to cause thermal instability, but my boss just told me he thinks it's the hard drive . . .

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: PCBeal23
I checked the heatsink: the thermal compound was mixed with some dirt, and there was a hair stuck in it as well. I don't think that's quite enough to cause thermal instability, but my boss just told me he thinks it's the hard drive . . .

I suggest that if the TIM is contaminated with dirt and hair and god knows what else, it is time for it to be replaced. i.e. remove the HSF and CPU, clean off the CPU IHS and HSF with alcohol (as high a concentration as you can find), apply some new TIM (such as Arctic Silver) and re-fit the CPU in the socket and re-mount the HSF.

Somehow, I can't see dirt and hair having quite the same thermal properties, as say, silver or copper

 

[PCBeal23]

I completely agree with you, Daw. Unfortunately, when your boss gives you a look as if you were killing puppies . . . ugly puppies but puppies none the less . . . you usually don't want to press your own agenda.

 

[daw123]

Originally posted by: PCBeal23
I completely agree with you, Daw. Unfortunately, when your boss gives you a look as if you were killing puppies . . . ugly puppies but puppies none the less . . . you usually don't want to press your own agenda.

I understand completely. Replace the hard drive, then when that doesn't work (which it likely won't), suggest to your boss that the TIM needs to be replaced.