need help w/ my cpu. :(

[band1t]

Hi guys,

I think I just fried my CPU, but still not sure. I was trying to replace the stock HSF w/ a Cooler master. After replacing it, I turned it on and it ran for one or two seconds, and it shut down itself. Then I turned it on again, it wouldn't do anything but run. Wat do you guys think? I've tried unplug the CMOS battery and still the same.

I am using AthlonXP 2200+, w. ASUS A7V333. I went to CompUSA and was planning to got a AthlonXP 2500+, but the guy in the store told me that there are 2 versions for this mobo. Is there anyway to check the version?

Anyway, please let me know what is the best. I am hoping that I didn't burn my CPU.

Thank you

 

[pillage2001]

The mobo will support a Barton regardless of the version. Just update the BIOS and you're all set. CompUSA to buy a CPU?? Dude, go to newegg.com for the best prices around. You won't be disappointed.

AS for the current CPU, did you plug in the fan connector on the mobo? The mobo might have shut itself down due to the fact that it could not detect a fan spinning to prevent the CPU from burning.

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, couple of things: The usual reason that the system shuts itself down is that the CPU and heatsink are not getting effective thermal transfer for some reason (usually because the heatsink is reversed, although there are other possibilities too). If the CPU dies, then the system may not get the "shut down NOW!" signal from it any more, and may stay running like yours is doing. So it is possible that the CPU is dead, yes. Check these things:


1) Is either cooler equipped with a three-lug clip, where it grips three lugs on each side of the socket? If so, got to make sure you don't knock the surface-mounted resistor off of this position with the clip. Been there, done that.

2) Make sure the cooler is oriented as shown in the third photo here and NOT like shown in the fourth photo (backwards). This applies to all SocketA motherboards.

3) The A7V333 is the least-favorite SocketA board I ever owned, and in retrospect I am glad mine died (how's that for vindictive! :evil: ). Try a Shuttle AN35N Ultra if you happen to have killed your A7V333.

 

[band1t]

Barton? wat is it? and how do you update the BIOS? sorry, I don't know anything about BIOS.

Before I borrowed this laptop, I need ASAP to activate my comp, so I went there. I paid like 100+, uhh, that it f**king a lot.

As I remembered, I plugged in everything.

Thank you anyway

 

[mechBgon]

"Barton" is the name of the CPU core that AMD uses on the 2500+ processor.

The BIOS is the built-in "subconcious" of the computer. It can be updated when necessary, and the usual reasons are to 1) fix bugs with the hardware not working well together, or 2) to support new CPUs as they come out.

For the A7V333 and A7V333-RAID, Asus's CPU-support chart says you need revision 2.0 of the circuit board itself, combined with the 1016 BIOS revision, to support the 2500+. You can find the circuit board's revision number in very small white lettering below the AGP slot on the surface of the motherboard. I don't know what happens if you use the earlier circuit board, it might work "unofficially" just as well as the later model does. *shrug* The difference might simply be the range of voltages that the VRMs can supply to the CPU, for example.

Updating the BIOS on the A7V333 can be a little tricky because they had a problem with the early ones dying on the operating table, so to speak. And guess how I know that...

Yeah. I repeat my advice to pick up a nice well-behaved Shuttle AN35N Ultra, hehe... If you do, be aware that it needs a power supply with the 4-pin ATX12V secondary power plug, like many motherboards do now.

 

[band1t]

Reply to MechbGon:

1) I've knocked down the mobo surface twice, but dunno that knocked off the position or not.

2) I think I also did wrong with this one. I placed it backwards.

3) I thought ASUS is the best mobo, but I kinda hate A7V333 rite now. I would try the one u suggest, if this one really died.

Thanks anyway for your advices and pics. really appreciate that

 

[mechBgon]

If you like Asus, the A7N8X is Asus's equal of the Shuttle AN35N Ultra. I use the A7N8X Deluxe at home and it is excellent.

This is becoming complicated because we don't know which parts are OK. If the system stayed running even with the heatsink backwards, then the CPU might be dead. If the motherboard had parts knocked off its surface then it might be dead too If you need it to work right away, then the way to be certain is to buy a new processor and a new motherboard, and be sure to put the heatsink on correctly (without slipping and hitting the motherboard with the screwdriver) and remember to use high-quality Arctic Silver thermal grease between the CPU core and the heatsink base.

A side effect of installing a new motherboard is that you usually have to reinstall Windows. At this point, I don't think you have anything to lose by trying to get your existing motherboard and CPU working, however, so try it with the heatsink installed correctly and see if it works. Good luck band1t

 

[band1t]

I just ordered a new AMD 2200+ from newegg.com. Can anybody tell me how to install the new AMD, since I don't want to burn it again. I think it also comes with the HSF.

Is there any specific instructions that I need to follow?

Thanks anyway.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: band1t
I just ordered a new AMD 2200+ from newegg.com. Can anybody tell me how to install the new AMD, since I don't want to burn it again. I think it also comes with the HSF.

Is there any specific instructions that I need to follow?

Thanks anyway.

Here is a photo guide showing the installation (even a video clip! ): link to guide Click on the photos to enlarge them if needed.

When you do go to clip down the heatsink, put something under the clip to catch the screwdriver if it slips, so it will not hit the motherboard. A credit card is good, since it's tough springy plastic. Good luck band1t If you ordered a "retail" AMD CPU then it will come with the heatsink/fan unit, and don't forget to peel the plastic protective slip off of the thermal pad on the bottom before installing it. I did that once

 

[band1t]

Thanks a lot for your help.