Computer Techs, I Need Your Help..

[BlackPearlShark]

The other day I was cleaning all the dust from my computer. I went to turn it on and everything was working fine for about 30 seconds. When it got the Windows loader screen, it just suddenly shut off. So I turned it on again and the same thing happened. When I did it a third time I saw an error on the screen about the CPU being too hot and it shut off again. I talked to a couple people and one said that it was a bad processor heatsink/fan and the other said it was a bad power supply. Before I go and potentially waste money on something I may not need, I would like to get a definitive answer.
-Thanks.

[Bizee]

fans go bad allll the time. if you were inside the case blowing dirt out etc etc its possible you just unlpugged the power line for the fan. its also possible the fan was on its last legs and blowing the dust more in it set it over the edge. replacement quality "stock" fans are usually no more than 20 dollars at a local computer store (not a chain like best buy).


your computer will 100% shut down if it has a built in temp sensor for things like cpu or if the cpu is overheating. and yes it heats up that hot that fast.

[gary]

open the case and turn it on and see if the fan is running. If it isn't, then buy a new one. Its quite simple.

[Bizee]

just my 2 cents. if it IS plugged in and running id still replace it. fans on their way out are extremely intermittent and spin slower than they should causing damage to the cpu fast.

[BlackPearlShark]

I popped open the case and the fas still runs. I guess if they're not all that expensive I can go ahead and get one. Recommend any brands?

[Bizee]

if its just a regular internet, school work etc computer try to just get a factory replacement. if your computer is more on the gaming side the spend the cash and get a zalman from newegg

[BlackPearlShark]

Thanks for the help

[TROLL]

if this happened for the first time after you were just messing around inside the case, my guess is that you knocked something loose... i'd check that before you start buying parts.

[Honest_Bob]

You can feel if the fan is bad by pressing down on the center of the fan while spinning it. If it feels jumpy or rough replace it (anything other than smooth). Also make sure all the fans in the system are spinning. Another possibility is that the heatsink got unseated. Make sure its level and looks properly attached. Not off to one side or crooked.

[05GT]

If you saw an error referring to CPU being to hot, then chances are the fan for the heatsink isn't working correctly anymore. Problem is, your CPU could also be damaged at this point. The only way to tell is to replace 1 part at a time. Replace the fan 1st, and see if that solves the problem.

[james_ls]

Check to see if you bumped anything loose....accidentally hit one of the heat-sink clips on the CPU....anything like that.

[Bizee]

fans that come with cpu's are junk. any sign that it could possibly be bad DO throw the part at it and replace it. 20 dollar insurance because like 05gt said cpu's damage fast from heat. i suggested to buy another oem fan because they are cheap and even though have a high failure rate its not as high as others in that price range.



i order zalman's for every machine i put together. havent had one fail on me yet. even from machines i did years back.