Is it possible to blow up a processor...

CrimsonChaos

Senior member
Mar 28, 2005
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I installed a processor into a motherboard, but didn't put the heat-sink/fan on it. I powered up the computer, and within seconds the entire machine cut off and I smelled burning.

Did I blow the processor? And if so, how is it possible for it to blow up that quickly?????
 

shoRunner

Platinum Member
Nov 8, 2004
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what kinda of processor...oh and why was the reason for turning on the system with no heatsink?? most new processors have thermal throttling. but on athon xp's and older pentiums it does work so well.
 

JustAnAverageGuy

Diamond Member
Aug 1, 2003
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If it's an older processor. Yes, it is very possible.

If it's an Athlon 64 or anything newer than an Intel P3, then it's not very likely.

The easiest way of course is to open up the case and check ;)

 

CrimsonChaos

Senior member
Mar 28, 2005
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Pentium 2.66 GHz - I just wanted to turn it on real quick to make sure it worked.... stupid mistake.
 

CrimsonChaos

Senior member
Mar 28, 2005
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Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
If it's an older processor. Yes, it is very possible.

If it's an Athlon 64 or anything newer than an Intel P3, then it's not very likely.

The easiest way of course is to open up the case and check ;)

What am I checking for exactly? How can I tell if the processor is ruined?
 

JustAnAverageGuy

Diamond Member
Aug 1, 2003
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Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
Originally posted by: JustAnAverageGuy
If it's an older processor. Yes, it is very possible.

If it's an Athlon 64 or anything newer than an Intel P3, then it's not very likely.

The easiest way of course is to open up the case and check ;)

What am I checking for exactly? How can I tell if the processor is ruined?

You probably won't be able to see anything under the heatspreader. If you can SMELL the processor being the source of the horrible smell though, you're pretty much hosed.
 

Concillian

Diamond Member
May 26, 2004
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I accidentally turned on a machine without an HSF on one of my AthlonXPs.

Processor died in about 3 seconds.

I didn't even have time to think "oh shiz" in my head.

Luckiily it was a Palomino XP1500+, and not something worth more.
 

CrimsonChaos

Senior member
Mar 28, 2005
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Hmmmm... I just read this in mechBgon's guide to building:

"Overheat protection All the AMD and Intel CPUs now feature overheat protection. If your system's turning itself off soon after startup, there may be a heat-transfer problem."

Maybe this is what happened??? Please tell me there's hope!
 

qbackin

Banned
Dec 26, 2004
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Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
Hmmmm... I just read this in mechBgon's guide to building:

"Overheat protection All the AMD and Intel CPUs now feature overheat protection. If your system's turning itself off soon after startup, there may be a heat-transfer problem."

Maybe this is what happened??? Please tell me there's hope!

There is no hope. You made a HORRIBLE decision when you turned it on.
 

Pr0d1gy

Diamond Member
Jan 30, 2005
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Originally posted by: qbackin
Originally posted by: CrimsonChaos
Hmmmm... I just read this in mechBgon's guide to building:

"Overheat protection All the AMD and Intel CPUs now feature overheat protection. If your system's turning itself off soon after startup, there may be a heat-transfer problem."

Maybe this is what happened??? Please tell me there's hope!

There is no hope. You made a HORRIBLE decision when you turned it on.

LoL shut up qbackin, you're probably the scaring the poor guy. You may be ok, but there is only one way to know for sure...
 

Raduque

Lifer
Aug 22, 2004
13,140
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*plays TAPS and lowers the flag to half-mast.

Modern CPUs generate 100s of watts of heat. That kind of heat will, if left unchecked (via a heatsink, waterblock or phase-change cooling system) will very very quickly burn out the fragile traces inside the CPU. That poor P4 is now a keychain.
 

anarchyreigns

Senior member
Mar 5, 2005
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I doubt it is okay. Even the little manuals that come with the retail versions of Athlon 64 and Intel processors mention that even as little as 3 or 4 seconds w/o a heatsink and thats it....all over. Say goodnight!
 

theMan

Diamond Member
Mar 17, 2005
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wow, i never knew it would blow that fast. how good can these hsf's be that you go from burning in seconds to room temps while playing games? wow, that sucks. :(
 

wchou

Banned
Dec 1, 2004
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even having a heatsink sitting on top of the processor is still not good enough, hence the latch :DDDD
what kind of moron not have heatsink on cpu and turn it on. my gosh, in the old day of pentium heatsink was not nexxsary
Is it possible to burn your cpu? YES
Is it possible to be a moron? a defite YES as well :D
 

T9D

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2001
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Yup only takes a second or two to burn it up. It's probably toast. That was seriously a dumb thing to do.
 

CrispyFried

Golden Member
May 3, 2005
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That thermal protection may not of kicked in fast enough. But in theory it should of caught it before frying.

Dunno if its possible to see the damage but check closely, top and bottom. Or if it smells its gone. Did you put the HS/fan on and try again?
 

The Pentium Guy

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2005
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Originally posted by: CrispyFried
That thermal protection may not of kicked in fast enough. But in theory it should of caught it before frying.

Dunno if its possible to see the damage but check closely, top and bottom. Or if it smells its gone. Did you put the HS/fan on and try again?

Yeah, try that