Reviving a dying computer
Apr 21, 2009 | 3:21 pm
#1
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Reviving a dying computer
I've got a home-built desktop computer with a P4 2.8 GHz CPU in it. I've found that, when I ask it to do anything the least bit processor-intensive, it will eventually freeze and will not re-boot until it cools off. I assume the problem is that the CPU is in a heat-fail mode. I'm in the process of assembling a new Quad core machine, but I priced P4 CPUs and found I could get a 3.4 GHz for $125 from buy.com. This would make for a speedy machine for some of my non-video applications, including musical scoring, etc. A couple of questions:
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
Apr 21, 2009 | 3:38 pm
#2
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It could be the CPU, probably the heat transfer stuff between the chip and the heat sink either dried out or gunked up or whatever and is not doing it's job, or the heat sink (assuming there is one) is gunked up. It could also be a fan that has dies, came unplugged, or is caked over in dust.
And of course, make sure the vents are clear too.
Are you overclocking it by any chance? That could be working against you too.
And of course, make sure the vents are clear too.
Are you overclocking it by any chance? That could be working against you too.
Apr 21, 2009 | 3:42 pm
#3
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It could be the CPU, probably the heat transfer stuff between the chip and the heat sink either dried out or gunked up or whatever and is not doing it's job, or the heat sink (assuming there is one) is gunked up. It could also be a fan that has dies, came unplugged, or is caked over in dust.
And of course, make sure the vents are clear too.
Are you overclocking it by any chance? That could be working against you too.
And of course, make sure the vents are clear too.
Are you overclocking it by any chance? That could be working against you too.
Apr 21, 2009 | 3:51 pm
#4
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Definitely doesn't sound like the processor itself. This behavior does not match standard semiconductor failure modes: they either fail shortly after being put into service (Early Life Failures) or last into old age and die. This seems to be a mod-life period, so that suggestions above are more likely than the P4 as the culprits.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Apr 21, 2009 | 7:14 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 66
Before you do this, make sure you motherboard supports a 3.2Ghz P4. It's probably a different core than your 2.8.
However, this setup might not be as speedy as you think. I replaced my 3.0GHz P4 (Prescott core) with a 1.8 GHz Celeron 430 and the Celeron is noticeably faster.
However, this setup might not be as speedy as you think. I replaced my 3.0GHz P4 (Prescott core) with a 1.8 GHz Celeron 430 and the Celeron is noticeably faster.
Apr 21, 2009 | 11:09 pm
#6
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Pentium 4 was available in Socket 427, 478 and LGA775 packages. 427 parts only went up to 2.0GHz, so your current processor can't possibly be that. Socket 478 and LGA775 have great deal of overlap in available part specs. One way to tell is to remove the chip. If it has pins, then it is Socket 478. If the chip only has pads on the bottom, then it is LGA775.
Froogle shows some vendors sells refurbed 3GHz Pentium 4 at around $30, such as Geeks.com. $120 sounds way too much for old technology.
Froogle shows some vendors sells refurbed 3GHz Pentium 4 at around $30, such as Geeks.com. $120 sounds way too much for old technology.
Last edited by msb0b; Apr 21, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Apr 22, 2009 | 7:52 pm
#8
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I've got a home-built desktop computer with a P4 2.8 GHz CPU in it. I've found that, when I ask it to do anything the least bit processor-intensive, it will eventually freeze and will not re-boot until it cools off. I assume the problem is that the CPU is in a heat-fail mode. I'm in the process of assembling a new Quad core machine, but I priced P4 CPUs and found I could get a 3.4 GHz for $125 from buy.com. This would make for a speedy machine for some of my non-video applications, including musical scoring, etc. A couple of questions:
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
I wouldn't give 125$ for going from 2,8 to 3,4 GHz - the speed gains might be marginal. Adding extra RAM or faster hard drive might give much more bang for the buck.
Apr 22, 2009 | 8:00 pm
#9
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OT
I have both XP (chugs along nicely) and Linux (screaming fast) installed on it. These days hardly ever boot XP.
Apr 22, 2009 | 8:25 pm
#10
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My seven-year old P4 started running slow and would hang on some graphic intensive programs. I increased the Ram from 512 to 1536 and it screams through all but one program for which I will upgrade the the video card from 256 to either 512 or 768 and the power supply to support the new video card.
Apr 23, 2009 | 12:37 am
#12
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I've got a home-built desktop computer with a P4 2.8 GHz CPU in it. I've found that, when I ask it to do anything the least bit processor-intensive, it will eventually freeze and will not re-boot until it cools off. I assume the problem is that the CPU is in a heat-fail mode. I'm in the process of assembling a new Quad core machine, but I priced P4 CPUs and found I could get a 3.4 GHz for $125 from buy.com. This would make for a speedy machine for some of my non-video applications, including musical scoring, etc. A couple of questions:
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
1. Does my diagnosis sound correct?
2. Do all P4s use the same socket configuration?
3. Does $125 sound good for a 3.4 GHz P4?
Thanks!
It's been over-clocked in the past, but not now. The fans are all working, and I've tried running it with the side panel off (I'm trying to pull data off the drives). I've ordered some thermal grease with the components for Quadcore machine, so I can trying cleaning the P4 and reattaching the heat sink/fan.
Apr 23, 2009 | 7:21 am
#13
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It's working now!
Turned out it was old, clotted thermal grease. I cleaned the top of the CPU and the bottom of the heat sink/fan with alcohol, re-applied the thermal grease, and it's been running under load for the past 14 hours or so.
Thanks, everyone!
Thanks, everyone!