CPU fan stopped working and things went downhill FAST...

[guitar510]

Folks I need some help! My computer froze up on me a couple of days ago and due to previous problems with temperature issues, I opened up the case to find the CPU fan was not working. I tried to clean it but that didn't work so I replaced the fan. During the process I had to remove the MOBO, disconnect and reconnect everything.

Once all was reconnected, I fired up the machine. The new fan was working properly and windows began to load as normal. It froze however, prior to completing the startup. I restarted and then got stuck in BIOS. Since then I've been trying to troubleshoot with no luck. The system seems to freeze after a period of time....if I let the computer sit for a while and start up, I usually get further into the startup. If I reset after a freeze, it usually crashes right away barely making it into the BIOS. To make matters worse I have damaged the BIOS with all the resetting and have no floppy disc drive to fix it.

My suspicion is one of the following...

1. The CPU is damaged from running without fan (didn't appear damaged though)

2. The CPU is damaged from overtightening of the heatsink (again doesn't appear damaged)

3. MOBO is damaged from handling during fan change out

4. MOBO is damaged at CPU interface from lack of fan

I fear my only option at this point is to replace the MOBO and processor. Or start with the MOBO, try the existing processor and if that fails, buy a new processor... thoughts????

[Nuclear Krusader]

System specs, please.

[guitar510]

MOBO - eVGA nForce 780i SLI FTW
CPU - Intel Core2 Quad Q9300
RAM - CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 (TWIN2X4096-6400C5C)
Power Supply - CoolerMaster Real Power Pro 650W (RS-650-ACAA-A1)
GPU - eVGA GeForce 9500GT
HDD - Seagate 500GB 16MB SATA HD (ST3500641AS-RK)
Optical Drive - LG GH223LS30 DVD

[Nuclear Krusader]

Originally Posted by guitar510 start with the MOBO, try the existing processor and if that fails, buy a new processor

The route I'd follow myself, after following the troubleshooter. It's hard for a CPU to die (although it can happen, in spite of how rare this occurs), especially an Intel one; but mobos are not so hardy.

[guitar510]

Any other suggestions? If I do go this route, suggestions on a reliable MOBO that would work with my CPU/RAM. I'm not married to the graphics card so if necessary a graphics card to match the new MOBO.

[glc]

Good socket 775 boards that take DDR2 are becoming hard to find. This is about the best on Newegg:

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P43-ES3G LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard

It will take any PCI-E video card.

[guitar510]

Thanks glc. I spoke with evga today and they said if I can provide the invoice they will see what they can do about a replacement MOBO despite it being out of warranty, although they didn't make any promises. If they do replace my MOBO I will be impressed...not sure whether it will be a 775 one though...

[glc]

You would be better off with that Gigabyte - it has an Intel chipset. EVGA boards never have been that good and Nvidia chipsets aren't particularly stable with Intel processors.

[guitar510]

Well....I must say I am very impressed with evga customer service. First off 24 hour support. Second, they sent me a replacement MOBO despite the fact that I was well past the 1 yr warranty! I am a HAPPY CUSTOMER!!!

[guitar510]

By the way glc...I'll make sure I consult here before selecting components for my next build. This first one was a certainly a learning experience.