Pentium 4 system's Bios cpu temperature 90C, even after reapplying thermal paste

[WilkinsMicawber]

I'm looking at a client's computer whose Bios is giving me 90C cpu temps, even after a thermal past reapplication. I'm beginning to suspect that he just needs a new cpu, as the fans are spinning and nothing seems to be an obvious cause of the high temperatures. He called me because Windows would no longer boot all of the way. The motherboard isn't detecting any of the attached sata HDDs. Any ideas? If i can't figure it out I may just tell him to get a new computer, as it could either be the cpu or mobo at this point, i'm thinking.

 

[red12049]

I'm looking at a client's computer whose Bios is giving me 90C cpu temps, even after a thermal past reapplication. I'm beginning to suspect that he just needs a new cpu, as the fans are spinning and nothing seems to be an obvious cause of the high temperatures. He called me because Windows would no longer boot all of the way. The motherboard isn't detecting any of the attached sata HDDs. Any ideas? If i can't figure it out I may just tell him to get a new computer, as it could either be the cpu or mobo at this point, i'm thinking.

Is Windows on an IDE drive? If not, how is it starting to boot Windows if the computer can't find any drives?

Rick

 

[NYJimbo]

Is the temp fluctuating or just staying solid at 90c ?

 

[codegreen]

Is there any particularly good reason for the client to invest money in keeping this old computer running?

 

[lan101]

Is there any particularly good reason for the client to invest money in keeping this old computer running?

Yeah, and if customer still needs xp you can find duo core 2 machines with 1gb memory for under $100. No point in fixing those p4's any more in my opinion.

 

[nesrinamb]

With everyone else on getting a new system.

 

[SilverLeaf]

Are the PSU voltages within spec? Are the BIOS settings for the CPU correct (e.g. not overclocked)?

But yeah, I'm with everyone else here...I wouldn't invest much in a repair unless it's absolutely necessary for some reason.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Is there any particularly good reason for the client to invest money in keeping this old computer running?

That's along my thoughts.....an old "P4"...wow. An hour or more of your time, 100 bucks or more....on something this old....with about 1 year left of usability.

I'd be talking them into replacing it, putting that 100+ bucks towards a new computer.

 

[brandonkick]

Although I do agree with the fact that this thing needs to go, I would be curious as to why the CPU is running so hot.


Not all thermal pastes were made equally, are you using a good quality paste? I can recall at least a 10C difference between some good MX-2 (now MX-4) paste and the junk you get a for a dollar a tube.

On that note, is it being applied correctly? Too much paste is just about as bad (or maybe worse) then having no paste at all. Is the heatsink sitting tightly against the CPU's metal casing?

Is the heat sink blocked up with dirt and dust? Have you taken an air compressor to the heat sink?

Fans putting out good air flow? What about the exhaust fans in the machine? Just because they are "turning" doesn't mean they are putting out a good CFM.

 

[inlinetech]

It's the CPU. I just fixed a server with the same problem...hope I save you some time!

 

[johnrobert]

In all the years I have been fixing computers I have never come across a bad CPU but its possible

 

[inlinetech]

Same here Johnrobert! I ruled everything else out and in the end it was the CPU!

 

[seedubya]

I've had maybe 5 or 6 in 17 years - not common and none at all in the last 5 years.

 

[mr m]

To add to Brandonkick's post, make sure the intake is clear. I worked on an old Compaq that had a packed, solid layer of dust behind the front bezel which prevented cool air from entering.