Computer won't start- Possibly CPU or Mobo

***SHORT VERSION AT BOTTOM***


So I was given a fairly new Gateway computer, which will not start!
Its a 2A Ghz Pentium 4 processor. Nothing new was installed, no hardware OR software. However, the previous owner said she thought it had something to do with a worm or virus, which I do not believe is the case.

When I press the power button, there is no video output (nothing wrong with monitors I've tested it with), however I can hear the fans and drives spin up. It sits this way forever.

So heres what I've done so far:

I figured it may be a video card issue, even though there were no error code beeps, but hey.. I had to start somewhere. So I switched out the video card with a known working one, and nothing... same problem

Then, I figured I'd use the power supply test switch. I unplugged all power cords from within the computer, leaving the power cord that plugs into the power strip. Then, I plugged in each device's power one at a time, and held the test switch for 5 seconds. With each device, the light was solid green for the full 5 seconds.... Except for when I plugged in the little 4-pin power connection plug to the motherboard!

The big power plug (20 pin) to the motherboard, however, DID work.

I believe this is the CPU Power plug.

So anyways, I went on trying to unseat the heatsink. I sucessfully removed the fastenings, but it seemed as thought it were glued to the CPU! The heatsink was literally STUCK to that CPU, and I eventually (and violently) seperated them. The CPU was torn from the motherboard, which scared me because I was unable to lift the securing switch (the lever that holds the CPU to the mobo) because the heatsink was blocking it.

Anyways, there is no visable damage to the processor, except the lubricant was completley hardened and stuck on the CPU. Is this normal? If I remember correctly, it's supposed to be a slippery liquid.. not a hard glue like substance.

Unfortunately I have no spare compatible CPUs or Mobos to test these on.

So I'm wondering if I should go ahead and buy a new processor, or CPU+mobo combo. If I buy a new processor, it will have to match the socket, and if it doesn't work, then I'll need a new mobo, in which case, I'd rather just buy a faster cpu+mobo.

I appreciate any and all feedback, opinions, or ideas anyone has. I apologize for the long report!
Thanks
Norzoloco

If you don't understand the Power supply test switch, look here for an explanation:
http://support.gateway.com/s/POWER [...] 8305.shtml




***SHORT VERSION***
Computer won't start
Power is flowing, lights on, no display, no beeping
Tested with working video card, nothing
Used the power supply test switch individually on each component separately, revealed that the 4-pin power connection was the problem (I believe this is the CPU Power connection)
Took off the CPU, which seemed to be GLUED to the heatsink! Took alot of force to remove!

first it can not be fairly new with that cpu?

its probably hardware

I think the piece of crap 250 watt PSU with the dead 4 pin cpu was the main culprit. If the cpu doesnt get power the system wont post. But you mayhave ruined the cpu or motherboar or both since you was rough with it.

To get them appart you need to undo the fasteners and gentyly twist clokwise until you brak the connection. Pulling them straight apart enough to pull the cpu out of the socket is a very bad deal.

Good luck. I would start with a new PSU first.

That 4 pin connector supplies power to the mosfets, toroid coils and capacitors. That is where I would look first.
Around the cpu socket there are some cylinders. These are the capacitors. Look at all of them, and see if they are leaking. Then look at the tops, and see if they are flat. If the caps are leaking, or are not flat, that's your problem. If you know someone who is good at soldering and desoldering electronics, you can buy new caps and replace the bad ones. Just make sure you get good ones, with the same ratings.
Near the caps, there are small square (two demensional) pieces of plastic, with three pieces of metal sticking out one end. Look closely at these. If any of them are blown up, look charred or have a hole, then toss the board.
A trick for seperating the hsf from the chip, is to put them in a plastic bag, and put them in the freezer. A sharp object inserted between them, after they have frozen, should do the trick

Here's a decent write up in Tom's wiki: Troubleshooting a New Build

Might be useful. Good luck.