The processor is the heart of the computer. When this element fails, the entire system ceases to function. You will not be able to use your PC until you purchase a new processor. But immediately note that such a nuisance awaits users infrequently. The signs of a burnt processor should be able to determine each owner of the PC. We will provide you with a few instructions that will help you identify the malfunction yourself.
Reasons for the malfunction
The main reason that the processor in your computer may burn out is the banal overheating of the system. Because of this, the PC starts to work unstably, "lag" and "slow down". This is the most harmless consequence of the problem. If it is running, then you can bring the matter to a burnt processor.
This device (like a video card) in a PC is cooled by a special fan - cooler. There may be 2-3 such coolers on a desktop computer, and one on a compact laptop. From here you need to constantly monitor the performance of coolers, which do not allow the process to overheat.
Who's guilty?
What causes the computer to overheat? It can be not only faulty, but also weak coolers. For example, if your computer has a powerful processor, and the fans are designed for an average CPU.
The second culprit is dust. Debris clogs the fan blades, does not allow them to rotate at full power. As a result, the device cools the processor poorly.
And the third reason is poor-quality, old thermal grease. Often it dries so much that it binds to the radiator.
First signs of a problem
When the processor burned out, the first signs of big trouble are as follows:
- Coolers on the device began to make a suspicious noise. You should take apart the computer, see what condition the fans are in. If necessary, they are cleaned of dust, check for play. Or replace the faulty cooler with a new one.
- Blue screen of death". Not so frequent, but a characteristic sign. Appears both when turning on and during operation. At the same time, it indicates a malfunction of other components.
- Constant independent system reboots. In this way, she is trying to fix a processor malfunction.
BIOS signal
If the processor on the PC burns out, the BIOS will indicate the symptoms of the malfunction. You only need to correctly decrypt its signals.
To do this, turn on your computer. Listen to what kind of signals the BIOS speaker emits. Find the instructions for the device, where their meaning will be described. However, such a study only allows you to narrow your search for a problem, and does not give a specific answer to the question.
Experienced users note that BIOS rarely signals a burnout of the processor. Therefore, if you did not hear the signal, then it is worth suspecting the CPU.
It is not uncommon for a computer to turn on, its coolers start working, but the screen does not light up. Someone immediately sins on the video card. But just about this malfunction the BIOS reports a specific signal. If it is not, then the reason is most likely in the same processor.
Decoding the BIOS signal
Computer wizards advises to deal with the signals that the BIOS sends to the user. With one or another equipment error, as already mentioned, the system makes certain sounds, separated by pauses. How to decrypt them? It is necessary to calculate the number, the sequence of long and short signals. This will be the decryption of the message.
So, how to determine the signs of a burnt processor using BIOS signals:
- First of all, you need to determine the BIOS developer of your motherboard. This information is contained in the operating instructions for this device. Decryption of system signals directly depends on the manufacturer.
- Below we will present how certain systems are talking about processor problems.
- If the BIOS is silent, then there are two diagnostic methods: disassemble the system unit (to visually determine the burned processor) or test the health of the device on another computer.
Varieties of BIOS and decoding signals
So that you can understand if the processor has really burned down, we present the signs of possible problems in the article. See how they talk about problems with the BIOS processor of various developers:
- Award BIOS. High-pitched squeak during PC operation. This signal indicates that the processor has overheated. To protect it from burnout, the user must turn off the computer as soon as possible. If you just started the device and hear alternating low-frequency and high-frequency signals, this means that the processor is malfunctioning or has overheated.
- AST BIOS. One short signal indicates that an error occurred while checking the processor registers, therefore, the CPU is faulty. In this case, the device must be taken to a specialized center. An unqualified master will not be able to fix the processor independently.
- AMI BIOS Five short beeps indicate a processor malfunction. If you hear 7 short sounds, then there is an error in the virtual processor mode. Since these are different problems, you need to carefully listen to the signals so as not to make a mistake with the malfunction.
System block parsing
If the processor burns out, signs of trouble are easiest to detect visually when inspecting the device. For this:
- Remove the system unit cover, get to the processor.
- Remove the cooler from the component.
- Further, the radiator: by unscrewing it, or by snapping special fasteners (depending on the model).
- If the processor burns out , the sign is the characteristic smell of burning inside the case. But in some cases it may not be.
- The next diagnostic step: examine the space around the socket itself. If it is blackened, melted, it means that your suspicions are true. In some cases, the problem can be solved simply by updating the burned thermal grease with a new one. Remember that a fresh layer of the substance is applied in an even, thin layer.
- Assemble the processor back, place the case in the system unit. Turn on the computer. If the monitor does not light up again, most likely your processor has burned out.
Testing a component on another computer
Symptoms of a burnt processor on a computer may not always be apparent. To make sure that this particular component has failed, experts advise one simple and accurate diagnosis: check the device’s operability on another computer.
But be sure to warn you: the method is also dangerous. If the processor is faulty, then there is a big risk of damage to the motherboard of another PC. Therefore, as soon as you make sure that the processor is burned out, immediately turn off the computer! Do not keep it active for a long time.
Before installing the processor in another computer, be sure to change the thermal paste layer on the CPU itself and on the heat sink to a fresh one. Build the system. Turn on the computer. The screen lights up, are the systems functioning normally? Your processor is OK. The root of the problem is in another component.
Change processor to a new one
By the way, the signs of a burned-out processor on the radio tape recorder are slightly different from those that are observed on the PC. The device refuses to function, and when disassembling it, you see a fused, blackened socket. There may also be a characteristic burning smell.
And we return to the computer. You see all the signs of a burnt processor on a PC, you are sure of a component malfunction. There is only one way out of the situation - the acquisition of a new device:
- Before buying a replacement, be sure to arm yourself with the characteristics of a broken device.
- The new processor must be compatible with your motherboard. How to find out? Go to the manufacturer’s motherboard website, find your model. As a rule, the manufacturer places a compatibility table for the product. Based on this data, you need to choose a new processor.
- The device is purchased. What to do next? You have two ways: to entrust the replacement to qualified specialists of the service center or to do all the work yourself.
If you have chosen the second option, then we invite you to follow the instructions further:
- Before starting work, be sure to turn off the computer, unplug its outlet.
- Open the side cover of the system unit. The processor is located in the system under the cooler radiator.
- To replace, you need to remove the cooler from the device. Usually its latches are easily removable. Only some models require you to first remove the motherboard from the case.
- After you fasten the latch latches, carefully disconnect the processor from the cooler. In some cases, the components may stick to each other. Then you will need to slightly rotate the cooler around the axis to move it out of place.
- Next, open the socket latch to get the old damaged processor.
- Replacement is simple: replace a faulty one with a new one. Then, be sure to snap the latch bracket.
- When replacing, it is important to be careful in all actions. At the end of the procedure, make sure that the processor is in the socket in the correct position, in accordance with the existing key protrusions.
- Be sure to apply thermal grease to the top cover of the processor. Gently spread the substance over the surface.
- Be sure to remove the old thermal paste from the bottom of the cooler. For cleaning, it is best to use rags or soft paper.
- Install the cooler in the system unit. Make sure that all its latches are fully latched and the device is firmly and securely fixed. The cooler itself must fit snugly against the processor.
- The final step: close the case of the system unit, turn on the device to check the operability of the newly installed processor.
How to avoid a problem?
How to check for signs of a burnt processor, we have sorted. And in order not to encounter this, we recommend that you install a special program on your PC that can control the temperature of the system components. On the network you will find a large selection of such applications - paid and free, simple and advanced.
Experts also advise against using games or applications that require a more powerful system than your PC to run. Such programs can also cause a rise in processor temperature to a critical level.
Now you know how to identify a burnt processor and change it to a new one. But it’s easier to prevent a similar problem.