Couple of problems I've come across, Andy:
1. The heat sink on the top of the processor has loosened up, and is
no longer making solid contact with the processor itself. It could look
solid, but if it separates from the CPU even a little, it can cause
overheating.
2. The fan is working, but due to age, dust, it has slowed down to
the point it is ineffective.
3. Dust build-up on either in inflow or outflow vents for the
fan(s). If either in or out goes through the power supply, it's
sometimes difficult to see the buildup without opening the supply.
On my old Gateway, there was a fan on the cpu itself, but it blew
hot air directly into the power supply! Talk about overheating!
What wattage is your power supply rated at? Most PCs come with
200 to 300 watt supplies, which may be adequate for the base system, but
if you add peripherals, such as USB sound cards, CD Burners, video
cards, additional memory, and so on, it taxes the power supply so much
that it can overheat.
Hope this gives some clues!
73
Dave
KB3MOW
Andrew O'Brien wrote:
Please excuse the not-directly ham related issue. A PC I have used
for 2 years without issues is suddenly closing down due to
overheating. At quick glance the CPU fan appears to be working but
will run temp tests. Any other suggestions if not CPU fan?
--
Andy K3UK
www.obriensweb.com
(QSL via N2RJ)
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