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Did I Destroy My CPU?

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  • Aspire
  • Acer
  • Computers
  • CPUs
Last response: in CPUs
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October 13, 2013 9:18:12 AM

I have an Acer Aspire X1301 with an AMD Athlon II X3 425 CPU. When I replaced the hard disk, I had to remove the heatsink. I didn't screw the heatsink back down all the way. Now the computer is failing in weird ways: for example, if I try to load Windows recovery from the DVD drive, the computer just freezes about half-way through. Or, if I get to Windows, I click on Control Panel, and the computer freezes. Or there are long pauses when using Windows Media Center, then it freezes.

So should I replace the CPU, or do you think it's something else?

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October 13, 2013 9:21:02 AM

Did you eventually try to screw the heatsink down all the way at some point?
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a c 146 à CPUs
October 13, 2013 9:23:28 AM

If you suspect the HSF is not installed properly (easily verified by using temperature monitoring tools if/when you manage to get into Windows: an improperly installed HSF will show CPU temperatures in the 80-100+C range), remove and re-install it better and hope that fixes it.
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October 13, 2013 9:24:47 AM

mc962 said:
Did you eventually try to screw the heatsink down all the way at some point?


Yes, and left the computer off so it could cool down. Also, how can I test the CPU if the computer won't stay on for very long?
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October 13, 2013 9:25:04 AM

mc962 said:
Did you eventually try to screw the heatsink down all the way at some point?


LOL. I would certainly hope he did
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October 13, 2013 9:41:15 AM

You should try applying new thermal paste.
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October 13, 2013 10:06:42 AM

But the question is: How can I determine if I irreparably damaged the CPU?
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October 13, 2013 11:20:15 AM

Take it out and look to see if there are burns/scratches? Although there shouldnt be any scratches since it sounds like you didn't take the cpu out of the socket, just the fan.

Even then cpu generally have safeguards built in that shut it down before it irreparably overheats. Short of dropping a screwdriver on the chip, or accidentally knocking around something on the board during maintenance, it doesnt seem likely that you broke it, just that, as you said, the fan isnt in right. And, as said before, make sure to wipe off the old paste on the cpu and heatsink and put some new stuff on (just not too much)
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October 13, 2013 11:24:16 AM

Goodguy6 said:
But the question is: How can I determine if I irreparably damaged the CPU?


If you are suspecting its your cpu than try your cpu out on another pc. If the same problem comes up its your cpu.
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October 13, 2013 11:27:08 AM

Thanks, mc962. The top surface of the CPU looked OK. It just seems too coincidental that all these weird problems would crop up right after not fastening the heatsink correctly, if the CPU were not damaged in some way. Is there such a thing as a CPU working intermittently after over-heating, or do they just fail completely?
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October 13, 2013 11:29:25 AM

kooks147 said:
Goodguy6 said:
But the question is: How can I determine if I irreparably damaged the CPU?


If you are suspecting its your cpu than try your cpu out on another pc. If the same problem comes up its your cpu.


Just don't have access to a second identical PC.
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October 13, 2013 11:33:06 AM

Goodguy6 said:
kooks147 said:
Goodguy6 said:
But the question is: How can I determine if I irreparably damaged the CPU?


If you are suspecting its your cpu than try your cpu out on another pc. If the same problem comes up its your cpu.


Just don't have access to a second identical PC.


It doesnt have to be identical just compatible parts, but in all honesty the cpu is very durable. As mentioned aboved it has safeguards to overheating which is what you suspect is the problem. Check other hardware. what kind of motherboard do you have

nvm whats your psu?
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October 13, 2013 11:37:52 AM

Thanks for all the thoughts so far. They make me think I should just get another similar used PC on eBay. That's probably even cheaper than replacing the motherboard.
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October 13, 2013 11:58:43 AM

did you try just reinstalling your cooler and applying new thermal material?
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