System failed CPU test

[james8547]

Situation:

Assembled the PC. No problems during installation. Didn't force anything in, no static discharge, etc. I plug in the system for the 1st boot. After a few sec, the speakers started chanting "System failed CPU." The fans are working and there is a green light on the mobo. There is no display.

I found from another forum that my mobo has issues with the P4 heat sink (that the heat sink is clamped too tight!...and according to the thread that Asus is aware of the issue.). I released the fan clamps and tested it again (also took out 1 of the RAM sticks also)...no work. I turned the system off. I disconnected the CPU fan and turned the system on. I touched the heat sink and it is cold (ran it for less than a minute). I took out the heat sink completely.

***I noticed that there is a black film on the bottom of the heat sink (it came from from the top of the cpu chip). Is this normal or did I burn my cpu?*** I can post a pic if this is unclear. There are NO bent/dislocated/missing pins on the CPU nor any indications of a burnt circuitry (other than the thing above).

I also read that even tho the system keeps saying that the CPU failed the test, it is possible that the mobo is the one broken.

What are my options? Should I just RMA refund the cpu from newegg (i think today is the 7th day!)? Should I see a professional? I don't have any spare parts to test if any component is a dud. Thanks.

My specs:

Cases (Computer Cases, ATX Form)
ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG- with Antec Original TRUE 430W P4 Power Supply ATX12V Retail
Specifications:
Case type: SOHO File Server
Case Color: Antec Metalic Gray
Case Dimensions: 20.6" x 8.1" x 18.6" (H/W/D)
Drive bays: 10
Front accesible 4x 5.25, 2x 3.5" Internal 4x 3.5"
Expansion Slots: 3 Short 4 Full Length
2 Rear Standard Fans 1 Side fan
Washable Air Filter in front more info>
N82E16811129115 $117.99
$117.99

Floppy Drives
SONY 1.44MB 3.5 INCH INTERNAL FDD DRIVE - OEM
Specifications:
Size: 3.5 Inch 1.44MB High Density
Model: MPF920-Z
Model Highlights:
Compatible with 720 KB and 1.44 MB 3.5-inch Floppy Disks
Ideal for replacing older floppy drive, or adding a second drive
Standard 34-pin floppy drive interface for easy installation
Legendary quality from Sony - the inventory of the 3.5-inch floppy more info>
N82E16821103109 $8.00
$8.00

Memory (System Memory)
2 sticks of CRUCIAL MICRON 512MB 64x64 PC 3200 DDR RAM - OEM
184-Pin DIMM, CL=3.0 -Unbuffered Non Parity 2.5V, CT6464Z40B Requires DDR supported Motherboard - Lifetime Warranty. OEM more info>
N82E16820146532 $92.99
$185.98

Motherboards - Intel
ASUS Motherboard for Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron Processors, 800Mhz FSB Model# P4C800-E DELUXE Retail
Specifications:
Supported CPU:P478 Pentium 4 / Celeron
Chipset: Canterwood 875P + ICH5R
FSB:800/533/400 MHz
RAM:2 Channel (dual channel) DDR400/333/266 Max 4GB
IDEual Ultra DMA ATA100/66 up to 4 Devices
RAID: Dual Channel 133/100/66/33 up to 4 Devices & SATA
Slots:1x AGP (8X) 5x PCI
Ports:2xPS2, 1xCOM,1xLPT,1x Audio, 1xLAN,2x IEEE, 8xUSB20
Onboard Audio:AD 1985 6 Channel Codec
Onboard LAN:Intel CSA Gigabit LAN 1000/100
Onboard SATA: Dual Channel Serial ATA up to 150MBs
Onboard Firewire: 2 1394 Firewire ports
built-in Intel PAT (Intel Performance Acceleration Technology) It helps to boost performance by 3~5%. more info>
N82E16813131464 $190.99
$190.99

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.6GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)

Software - Operating Systems
**This item is NOT REFUNDABLE, exchange for same exact item only!!**
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack SP1a - OEM Designed for reliability, security and privacy, high performance, and ease of use, the Windows XP operating system provides a host of benefits for business and home users. A clean and simple desktop, rock-solid reliability, and easy-to-use features that take advantage of the digital age all contribute to the value of Windows XP.
*Must be Purchased with Hardware!!* more info>
N82E16837102143 $143.00
$143.00

Video Cards
►Top Seller!
ASUS V7100 PRO 32MB GeForce 2 MX-400 Video Card Model V7100PRO32/PURE/32MB - Retail
Specifications:
Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce2 MX-400 GPU
Memory: 32MB SDRAM
Bus: AGP 4x/2x
RAMDAC: 350mhz
Resolutions: 640x480 up to 2048x1536 in true color
Vertical refresh rate: 60-240 Hz
Ports: VGA
Retail Box (see Pics) more info>
N82E16814121159 $22.99
$22.99

Hard Drive
I already bought the 160GB maxtor
MAXTOR 160GB 7200RPM Serial ATA Hard Drive Model 6Y160M0 8MB OEM
Specifications:
Size: 160 Gigabytes
Interface: Serial ATA 133
Seek time: 9.3ms
RPM:7200
Data Transfer: 150MB/sec
Cache: 8MB
OEM(Drive alone) 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty:

[HAL9000]

I highly doubt the CPU is dead.. but remove it and double check that you haven't bent or broken any pins.... that black film is the thermal interface material... thats normal. Try the troubleshooting proceedure listed here.

[james8547]

I am certain that there are no missing/bent/disolored pins on the CPU. Also sure that it is fairly latched to the mobo. Will try the steps after lunch (1pm EST)...at work right now