Is my cpu dying ?

[Mugsy]

Voltage

Here's what CPU-Z is showing while im running at 2.19 GHz:

Hmm, everything looks similar to mine but with one difference: the voltage. You seem to be running a bit high.

My own voltage reports to be 1.632v

I don't think the report tells us anything helpful (if the numbers were all off, it would have proved it, but everything reporting "normal" doesn't necissarilly mean it is.)

Try running the test at the lower clock setting (2500?) and see if the voltage changes.

Then, if you can change it in BIOS, go back to 3200 and drop the core voltage down to 1.6v. This may make it run cooler, then again, it may make it more unstable. If so, switch back to 1.7v

 

[MetalX]

I have the same processor (Athlon XP 3200+) and am doing the same thing (underclocked it to 2800+) to keep it from crashing due to overheating.

What are your symptoms?

Lol i have the reverse goin on... my AthlonXP 2800+ is running at 3200+ without me even changing the settings in bios... the settings r default and its at 2.2 ghz.

 

[Mugsy]

That's a problem?

Lol i have the reverse goin on... my AthlonXP 2800+ is running at 3200+ without me even changing the settings in bios... the settings r default and its at 2.2 ghz.

THAT is weird! Sounds like you may have a mismarked 2800+.

Reminds me of the guy that was complaining that he had so much money he was running out of places to put it. Boo hoo.

 

[coldcuttin]

Sorry for the late reply Mugsy..

It's been real sunny here in the uk..so i've been making the most of it...cause it dont happen often :giddy:

Anyway's..i've tried running at a lower clock speed but the voltage stays the same 1.7v..i've also looked in bios to lower the voltage but 1.7 is as low as it goes

I've managed to get it running stable at 1.95 GHz anymore & the monitor just starts turning itself off.

so..it looks like im gonna have to make do with that,unless you've got anymore idea's ? cause im all out :dead:


CC.

 

[Mugsy]

Few options

If the problem is indeed the cpu, you are left with few options (do all tests @ 3200):

o Remove and examine it to make sure it is indeed a 3200 and not a modified 2500.

o Try another cpu in the same Motherboard to see if the problems persist.

o If you have another PC, try swapping components (one at a time) between your "bad" PC and the "good" one.

o If you haven't already, unplug any non-essential hardware (leaving just C: and your video card) to see if the crashing continues. If so, try temporarilly replacing the video card to rule that out. Ditto with the C: drive (find a spare drive, format it, quick install a copy of Windows just long enough to boot up and test).

Since you run okay at the lower speed, either your CPU is "bad" or your MoBo is. Your remaining options in diagnosing the problem are becoming quite limited.

 

[coldcuttin]

ok..Mugsy

i'll remove & examine the cpu this weekend to see if its the real deal.

i've pretty much tried everything else on the list apart for a different cpu so i'll try & borrow one from a friend & see if that works.

i'll let you know how i get on.

Cheers for all the help mate.

CC.

 

[Mugsy]

Pre-flight check

Make sure you have a few things down before you remove your CPU:

Make sure you have enough spare heatsink grease ("thermal compound") for *two* cpu's (the one you borrow and putting yours back). Fortunately, you don't need very much (rule of thumb, a half grain of rice sized dab each).

Make sure you have the photos of what a "bad" (ie "counterfeit") 3200 looks like (either print them out in color or save to another PC). If your friend also has a 3200 that works fine, you can physically compare them before putting his in. If you see the soldier marks, don't even bother putting his in. No need to risk putting his chip in jeopardy unless you want to be absolutely sure the fault lies ONLY with the cpu.

If his cpu is not a 3200, make sure you check NOW that your motherboard can support it before you take your cpu out (check speed settings in BIOS). If his cpu is a different speed, all you may be able to test is the stability of your MoBo, but that may not tell you much.

Download a good "CPU torture test" app and run it for about a half hour on the substitute cpu to see if it crashes. Monitor the cpu temp closely during this time.

Let me know what you find out.

 

[Coolmatt]

Most mobos that have Socket A on them (based off of what I've heard) shut down the computer if the temperature reaches 58 Celsius. Your problem may be overheating; I'd reccomend getting a new CPU heatsink/fan. If that's what you'll do make sure to read reviews with certain fans to see if they work as well as they advertise.