Can the processor fail. List of possible processor malfunctions

The easiest way to find out if the processor is working is to turn on the computer and see if it starts loading. Of course, this option will allow checking only if all other components system block in order. At the same time, with a faulty processor, the computer can boot, but work unstable.

Another way to find out if the CPU is working is to check its heating. To do this, lay the unit on its side, open the cover and remove the cooling fan from the processor. Now you need to put two pieces of paper on the CPU. This is done in order not to burn your fingers during the test.

normal temperature the processor is 60-70 degrees (together with cooling), and in the event of a failure, this figure can rise above 150. And if you touch the processor at this moment, you can get severe burns.

Let's go to the test - press your finger to the processor (with paper on it) and turn on the computer. Within 3-4 seconds, heating should occur gradually, which is a sign of the health of the equipment. After that, turn off the computer so as not to spoil the CPU. If the temperature of the processor after turning on has risen sharply, then this is an obvious symptom of a malfunction.

Another option - listen to speaker PC. When turned on, it usually beeps. If everything is normal, then one signal sounds and the download goes on. In the event that loading does not occur, several beeps usually sound. By their number and duration, you can determine the malfunction.

If there is no sound, but computer won't boot, then you can try to pull out the processor and start the PC. In this case, a beep should sound indicating the absence of the CPU. In this case, it is recommended to lubricate the processor with thermal paste and reinstall it.

If the computer continues to be unstable, you can try to install the CPU on another computer, or check it with specialized testing applications.

Processor performance test

Processor performance depends on many factors, not just frequency. For testing, you can use specialized programs, some of which we will consider.

PC Wizard

Lets hold comprehensive testing all PC components. In addition, you can check the performance of many system components, as well as find out many inaccessible standard means parameters.

CrystalMark

Able to determine many parameters of equipment and system, and also allows test, both overall performance and individual components.

PCMark

A program that is specifically designed to measure performance. It contains more than 40 tests, and also sets the number of points after verification.

These are the most popular apps, but not the only ones. On the web you can find a large number of similar software for any needs.

Carrying out a stress test

The stress test allows you to check the necessary components of the PC. This is not a normal test, but with maximum load That's why it's called a stress test. Why is this necessary? And then to check the stability of the equipment.

For example, there is a suspicion of incorrect operation of the processor. Can run powerful program or a game, and “by eye” try to determine at what point and which component of the system unit starts to fail. Or you can run a stress test that will simulate the maximum load and it will immediately become clear whether the processor is to blame or not.

There are many applications for such a procedure, but we will consider 3 of the most popular and well-known.

Aida64

An application that has in its arsenal a huge number of tests and other useful additions. Unfortunately, the application is paid, but for stress testing the functionality trial version enough.

To start testing, you need to open the menu " Service", where to find " System stability test».

Here we select the necessary parameters, setting the checkboxes and start the check. When the temperature rises above 70 degrees, you should pay close attention to the operation of the CPU. And if the temperature reaches 90 degrees, you should immediately stop the application and pay attention to the health of the processor or cooling system.

BurnInTest

Another application that will help to cope with the task. Download the application and run it. Then expand the menu Quick test, find item CPU coverage and start execution.

The only thing left to do is to observe the test. It is worth noting that in parallel, you can monitor the temperature so that there are no unpleasant consequences.

OCCT

The last of the considered programs. Able to test various equipment, up to to the power supply. It also boasts great functionality and advanced settings.

There are really a lot of parameters here and you can safely call it the best of all three applications.

But, before contacting the workshop, you must independently determine the cause of the breakdown. So that there is no situation when you will be billed for the replacement of the entire PC stuffing.

Checking the processor

Let's start the PC first. Listen to the signals that the BIOS will emit. To do this, you need to read the instructions for the meaning of signals. It can be found on the Internet, it is freely available.

The thing is that almost all BIOS versions do not notify about the processor burning. Therefore, if you do not find a suitable signal, beware. This is another fact indicating a chipset malfunction.

If the coolers work during startup, but the screen is not backlit, do not rush to conclude that this is a video accelerator. When the video card burns out, the system notifies with a certain type of signal. If it is not, then the problem is not in the video card.

Next, we disassemble the system. A cooler must be installed on the processor. We take it off. Then we remove the processor. Now we are guided by visual principles. Inspect the area around the chipset. If it is blackened, then the processor is likely to burn out. Also, you can smell it. If it smells burnt, then the chances of a malfunction increase. Now you need to replace the thermal paste and reassemble the structure. We impose it with a thin layer (you cannot put a thick layer) and close everything with a fan. Let's try to turn it on. If the monitor started up, then most likely the problem was insufficient cooling (often happens with powerful processors). If it didn't start. We remove the chipset and look for another PC to test it.

This is how the chipset is simply checked for serviceability. It is easier for masters to do this, because they have special devices, alas, which most users do not have. Therefore, if you trust your master, take the device to him for a test. It will pinpoint exactly what is wrong. If the masters are new, then try to determine the cause of the malfunction of your computer yourself, and only then visit the service.

The central processing unit (CPU), also known as the processor, is considered the heart of a computer system. Despite what the title of this post says, it is very rare for a CPU to fail. And if he does, then regular user can't do anything about it anyway. Now we will consider all processor malfunction signs and symptoms.

This post is meant to be an introduction to things to look out for, not specific steps to get a failed processor working again. If you are looking for more technical guidance on how to resurrect a failed processor, we recommend that you look elsewhere.

Processor failure symptoms

By design, modern computers will not load the operating system if such an important component as the processor is not working. In other words, the normal boot process cannot be completed because the POST or Power-On self-test will indicate that a critical component is missing from the system.

Other components such as fans, HDD and the motherboard as a whole will continue to work, but the boot process will eventually end with a blue screen of death error. However, there are other observable symptoms before and during a CPU crash that you should be aware of. Knowing them will help you identify the problem faster and reduce downtime.

Blocking and overheating just before turning off the PC If you notice that your computer had blocked instances before the final crash, you should consider that you have a bad processor. It may have overheated, causing automatic shutdown systems to prevent further damage.

The processor has a built-in fan that keeps it cool, but if the fan fails for any reason, the processor may temporarily overheat. This is one of the reasons why you should check and clean all fans on your computer once a year.

Dust can sometimes suffocate ventilation, so storing it regularly can lead to the destruction of the system. If your processor suffers from frequent overheating, consider cleaning its fan first. If that doesn't work, check your BIOS to see if you have a way to lower its RPM. This can have a significant impact on performance,

Keep in mind that prolonged overheating can cause permanent damage to the processor. If you are 100% sure that the processor is overheating (some motherboards have diagnostic tools to monitor the temperature of the processor). Here, just find a way to lower the temperature or consult a specialist how to fix it.

Common Symptoms of a Processor Failure

Beeping on startup. As mentioned above, your computer is performing a self-test (POST). Just to check if all peripherals are working or not. If the test detects that the processor is not working, the boot process will be aborted and the motherboard will beep. The beeps are actually codes that help the technician identify the problem. And so make sure you notice how many beeps there are. You can then search Google for what the beep code means.

Charred motherboard or processor. Severe overheating can melt or leave a charred appearance How on motherboard, and on the processor itself. Try removing the motherboard from the tower and unplugging the processor to see if this is the case (steps below).

If the overheating was severe, the processor could be permanently damaged. In this case, there is nothing you can do about it. Just replace it and get on with your life. Depending on the damage, the motherboard may also be rendered useless, so make sure you fix it afterwards.

Reasons for CPU failure

Like any other electronic component, the processor can die for simple reasons. Below are the items that you should minimize in the system if you want to prolong the life of the processor.

Warm and overheating. A running processor generates heat, but if the heat level goes beyond the normal threshold, the processor can die from it. Again, never underestimate the power of fans. There's a reason why extensive cooling systems are expensive. If possible, place the computer in an air-conditioned room so that heat build-up becomes slow.

Aging. Some processors may outlive all other components, but in most cases you can expect old cpu just crash at any time. If you have an older system (over 5 years old), the processor may die suddenly. Even if it's taken care of properly.

The first component in the CPU assembly that is usually covered is the fan. Over time, this moving part simply reaches its natural limit. And there's nothing you can do about it. There are millions of transistors in a processor. And if one of the two stops working, the processor may malfunction if it performs a certain task. This is difficult to check directly. So if you have excluded all possible reasons, the only thing you can do is to replace the processor.

What else can cause the processor to crash

Excessive voltage or overclocking. Processors are rated based on their clock speeds. Some processors are designed to provide higher clock speeds for better performance, but it's worth the price. Overclocking can put more stress on the device, shortening its overall lifespan.

In other words, you're trading CPU longevity for more processing power, which isn't entirely a bad thing. If you have the finances to get a faster processor, we advise you to change it instead of overclocking.

Power surge or unstable voltage. Many of today's processors are so reliable that they can run continuously for years without a breakdown. However, if you are in an area with frequent thunderstorms or unstable power lines, a power surge can effectively kill the CPU, if not the rest of the motherboard components.

Avoid connecting your computer directly to a power outlet. If possible, use a surge protector to protect your computer from sudden power surges.

Bad motherboard. The motherboard is a complex interconnection of many different components, and sometimes even one faulty capacitor can cause another component to fail. Try a visual check of the hardware on the motherboard. And watch out for a leaking or swollen capacitor. If you find one, there is a high chance that it is causing the CPU crash.

How to Troubleshoot Your Processor

The processor either works... or it doesn't. At correct installation the processor will keep running until it dies, unless something drastic happens. Such as power surge, lightning strike, serious damage to the motherboard. However, if the processor is no longer working, the best thing you can do is to replace it. Dot.

Check if the system is overheating. Before considering physically removing the processor and installing a new one, you should double check for signs of overheating in the system. Here are some of the specific steps you can try:

• Make sure the airflow is free. Sometimes extra cables inside the case can block important openings.
• Keep the number of fans under control. Too many fans doesn't necessarily mean it's better.
• If you can still access the BIOS, make sure you have installed on it latest version firmware. The upgrade process depends on the board you are using, so be sure to check the documentation that came with it. You will usually find out BIOS version by checking the BIOS line that appears during boot. Other motherboards may display their firmware version differently. And so do a little Google search or use the guide.
• Check fan or heatsink. This step is applicable only if you know how to remove and replace the processor. If you do, make sure the push pins are in the correct position. And that the heatsink is properly attached to the motherboard. At the same time, it is necessary to check whether there is a heat-insulating material on the bottom of the radiator. If they are not present, this may be the cause of the computer overheating. Thermal interface material often comes in the form of thermal paste.

If there is silence during loading ...

Faulty processor signs and symptoms. If nothing happens during boot, i.e. the display stays blue or black and you suspect a processor failure, you should follow these steps:

• Make sure the power indicator on the motherboard is on or off.
• If the LED is off, check the motherboard or power problems.
• When led indicator turned on, check if the CPU fan is spinning when the system is turned on.
• If the CPU fan is spinning, you should perform a swap test using another running CPU. Make sure other devices are working properly.

How to prevent cpu crash

Despite its reliability, you want to make sure that your computer's processor is running at full capacity. Because overheating is often the most common cause of a CPU failure. And here's what you need to do to prevent it.

Monitor CPU heat levels. High-end motherboards provide a tool to monitor CPU temperature and fan speed in the BIOS, so be sure to use it. Again, how the monitoring tool is implemented depends on your motherboard. Therefore, for reference, use the accompanying documentation.

The monitoring tools in the BIOS are designed to be user friendly. Therefore, you can even use the mouse. Temperature readings are often displayed in a simple way so that you can understand them. And if you're lucky, there might be an indication of what's normal and what's not.

In case you cannot set the base temperature, you must determine it yourself. Just noting the temperature of the CPU when it's idle. After that, you need to boot the processor so you can also take note of its operating temperature. If you've run a motherboard monitoring program, set reasonable tripline values ​​for temperatures. And configure the program so that it notifies you when these temperatures are exceeded.

CPU Cooling

Use good CPU coolers. Processors bought from retail stores include stock coolers, but if you can afford quality third-party coolers, go for it. Aftermarket coolers tend to be more efficient than stock coolers. But they can also be noisier, so make your choice based on your needs.

If you're looking for good performance, go with the original coolers. If you are installing a cooler, make sure you properly clean the surface of the CPU before applying thermal paste. Also make sure the heatsink is tight against the processor.

Clean your system unit regularly. This speaks for itself. But again, we can't really stress the need to minimize dust inside the tower. Dust can clog the vents, reducing airflow to the processor and other components.

Use thermally enhanced chassis (TAC). TAC is a buzzword for a more advanced case designed to dissipate extra heat from internal components (outside). TACs can be expensive, but they can be an effective method of minimizing heat inside the case. If you have free finances, we suggest that you use them instead of the standard case.

Placement of the system unit. Placing a computer near a heat source in any form is a big problem. A cool, dry place is fine, but a climate-controlled room is even better. Computers would choose a cool room with no sun and air conditioning, so they should help a little with this :) Good luck everyone.

In contact with

How do you know if the processor is burned out?

Master's response:

In any, even the most modern personal computer literally every element can fail. The reasons can be different: power surges, poor workmanship, etc. Some of the elements can be repaired, some cannot. The main thing is to find out which of the parts is out of order and replace it in time to normal operation computer.

Turn on your computer. In the event of a malfunction, the BIOS speaker makes certain sounds. This is the first sign. Review the instructions for BIOS signals. It will help determine what the problem is. It is possible that the processor burned out, although, usually, such a problem is rarely accompanied by such alerts. If you started the computer, all the coolers are spinning, and the monitor does not turn on, then you should not rush to identify the video card as the weak link. If it fails, the BIOS will definitely let you know about it.

Disconnect power from your PC. Open the system block. To do this, unscrew the fixing screws from the side panel and slide it towards the back of the system unit. Remove the screws securing the cooler to the radiator. And then remove the radiator.

To do this, you need to open a special latch. All this is necessary to make sure that the processor is broken. After removing the heat sink, and in the event that it is confirmed that the processor is actually burned out, you can smell a characteristic smell that cannot be confused with anything else.

Also check the surface system board around the socket for blackening. Try applying thermal paste to the processor. Do this gently in a thin layer. Then assemble the system unit and try turning on the computer again. In the event that the monitor still does not catch fire, then the processor most likely really burned out.

Try connecting your processor to another PC. But remember, if your processor is actually defective, there is a risk that the motherboard will burn out. To avoid this, do not leave your computer for a long time enabled. Before you turn on another computer with your processor installed, you should apply a small layer of thermal paste to it and the heatsink.

Turn on your computer. If the monitor shows a picture, then all systems are working normally and your processor is in order. Otherwise, we can conclude that the processor is still burned out and you will have to replace it.

CPU overheating

Today our topic is CPU overheating. We already touched on it a bit in our previous article on CPU overheating. Now let's dwell on this point in more detail.
Firstly, I want to say: if the processor heats up, this is normal, since electrical voltage is applied to it. But if it overheats, this is no longer good and this must be fought.
Secondly: modern chips (firms AMD or Intel- not so important) as well as motherboards, they have a built-in system for preventing overheating and forcibly shutting down if it is detected. So overheating of the processor and its failure is not as relevant now as it used to be.
How can you control the temperature of the processor? First of all, these are bios indicators. Depending on its model and implementation, the parameter we need can be located in different sections of the BIOS. Most often it is located in the "Hardware" or "Power" sections and is called hardware monitor(monitoring).

In the figure above, we see the processor temperature (CPU Temperature) and - (MB Temperature). The temperature is presented in Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit (F).
Here, for example, what an external thermal sensor looked like for taking temperature readings from old AMD processors (now such sensors are built into its very core):

To measure temperature, there are also various system utilities, of which there are a great many, but you need to understand that all programs use the readings of hardware microcircuit sensors located on the computer motherboard.
Previously, monitoring functions were performed by specialized thermal and electrical sensors. Now this is done by special microcircuits "Super MultiIO". They are also called multicontrollers (or - "cartoons"), since they not only take and process all kinds of indicators from tracking sensors, but also control the fan speed, implement the functions of parallel and serial ports, contain mouse and keyboard controllers, FDD, game port, etc.
An example of one such "cartoon" we can see in the photo below. As you can see, the multicontroller is based on the Winbond W83627THF chip.

Note: normal temperature running processor must be in the range of 30 before 60 degrees Celsius (depending on its model), chipset - from 25 before 50 , and the graphics core (video card) - from 40 before 70 degrees. Naturally, depending on the load on a particular component!
And now I want to give one example from practice, when the temperature readings of the BIOS helped me detect processor overheating.
At one of my previous jobs, I changed a burned-out motherboard on a computer. Naturally - I removed the processor with the cooling system and installed a new one. Collected, unscrewed, launched - everything works. About a week later, they ask me to come and see: the computer is buzzing a lot, which prevents the accountant working behind it from self-realization!
I come and from the threshold I hear the howl of the fan. At first, I confess, I thought - the power supply (it happens with them), but it turned out that the cooling cooler was noisy (the processor was installed under the "LGA 775" socket).
I decided to look at the motherboard and core temperatures in the BIOS, and was quite surprised that the sensor showed "85" degrees Celsius. Now, at least, it was clear why the fan was running at maximum speed (the motherboard or the "stone" itself, having detected overheating, increased its speed).
Something else is noteworthy here - in the conditions of weekly operation in such a temperature regime, no consequences of such overheating were found, leading, as a rule, to reboots and "freezing".
By the way, the reason that overheating took place was one of the clamps of the cooling system that I had not fully pressed to the end. As a result, the heatsink did not fit snugly against the protective cover of the processor and could not effectively "take away" heat from it. After fixing the problem, the temperature readings were fixed at "59" degrees.
I must say that signs of overheating of the processor on new computers may not appear even if the active cooling system is forcibly turned off (pull the fan power from the motherboard). If you do not run at the same time sufficiently "heavy" applications (computer games), such systems can function stably for a long time.
I remember that we had another case in the IT department: they brought an old Athlon with symptoms of periodic "hanging" and unstable software operation. They asked me to reinstall Windows.
Intuitively realizing that the reason was not in Windows, we opened the case and found that the radiator fins of the processor cooling system were so tightly clogged with packed dust that it formed a kind of "shield", which, in fact, isolated the radiator from the fan, which unsuccessfully tried to dissipate the emitted warm core.
I had to remove the entire structure, clean the heatsink from dust with a screwdriver, apply new thermal paste and put everything back together. After that, the computer worked stably and the question of reinstalling Windows disappeared automatically.
What do I want you to understand? That attention to overheating of the processor (as well as any other PC component) should be given due attention.
How to avoid overheating of the processor? Be sure to use thermal paste when installing (or replacing) a heatsink. Carefully remove the old one and apply a new one on its top protective cover in a uniform thin layer, as shown in the photo below:

You can evenly distribute the paste over the surface with your finger (as shown in the photo). Personally, I use an old non-working credit card. Its hard plastic allows you to achieve an even distribution of thermal paste over the surface.
I use Zalman toothpaste. It is sold in special bottles and is equipped with a brush for more convenient application.
Why do you need thermal paste at all? She plays a very important role in preventing CPU overheating! To effectively remove heat from the hot core, the lower surface of the heatsink must fit very tightly to its protective cover (in older models, directly to the processor chip).
Fasteners provide the proper degree of fit, but the problem is that no matter how good the fasteners are and no matter how well the lower surface of the heatsink itself is polished, there are still micro-scratches and micro-gaps between the processor and its cooling system.
These very "gaps" are intended to be filled with high-quality thermal paste. Since it is thermally conductive, it significantly increases the overall cooling efficiency by collecting heat from the entire surface and transferring it to the radiator, from which the heat is blown off by the fan.
There are also funny cases: one PC came to us for repair / maintenance. Diagnosis - overheating, consequence - spontaneous shutdown (protection against overheating). We blew it and decided to change the thermal paste on the processor. What was my surprise when, after removing the old paste under it, I found this picture:

The computer came to us from China (together with a set of measuring equipment), but why weren't the stickers removed when the computer was being assembled?! In addition, a transparent polyethylene blotch was carefully glued on the oval! What do you think, what is the coefficient of thermal conductivity of such "pleasant" additions? The processor heated up to 76 degrees Celsius!
With the help of a clerical knife, alcohol and such and such a mother, this disgrace was removed, a new thermal paste was applied and the heating temperature, as a result, was 61 degrees.
I also want to draw your attention to the fact that good (high-quality) fans have three or even four wires for connection. Additional wires allow you to programmatically control the speed of their revolutions and adjust the step of this rotation.
For example, here's what the packaging of the 8cm LED fan I recently bought looks like:

Let's go through the main notation:

• RPM - "Rounds Per Minute" number of revolutions per minute;
• Voltage - device supply voltage;
• Current - consumed current (in Amperes);
• Air Flow - air flow generated by the cooler;
• Noise - emitted noise.

Let's say a few words about the general (classical) organization of the cooling system inside the computer case. It can be described as follows: a fan is placed on the front wall of the case (under the front decorative panel). for air intake inside the system unit. Another fan is attached to the rear wall of the case, but it is already working on blowing air out.
In a closed case, such a bundle provides a fairly significant thrust. Inside, it starts to work like a large turbine: cool air from the room enters and, passing through the entire "stuffing" of the computer, is thrown out.

Symptom 5.10. L2 cache not working after installation Pentium processor over drive

Installing an OverDrive processor sometimes disables the L2 cache (external cache). This is due to a BIOS version that does not support the OverDrive processor type. To correct the situation, you need to update the BIOS version. In some cases, it is possible to install a corrective driver, which is specified in CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT (for DOS), and re-enables the second level cache after the system boots.

Symptom 5.11. Some programs freeze when running on a computer with 5x86 processors

This often happens with various programs, such as the 3D Studio package from AutoDesk. Many programs use software time delays. 5x86 processors cycle through delays faster than previous x86 processors, which sometimes leads to counter overflows and software bugs. In most cases, software vendors offer software patches for such cases. For 3D Studio, you can download the FSTCPUFX.EXE file from Kinetix (www.twinhead.com/drivers/P66/FSTCPUFX.EXE). Launch this program and follow the instructions. This program corrects the executable file of the 3D Studio program.

Another example of the problems associated with software, are Clipper apps. Clipper inserts time loops into application programs at compile time, and this also affects time-dependent program code. For the Clipper software package, you can download the PIPELOOP.EXE file (ftp://np.wiznet.ru/drivers/CPU/pipeloop.exe) and place it in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Short description

When one of these transistors failed, the whole system failed - it hung or collapsed. In the future, the computer could stop working at the system boot stage. Over the past 20 years, computers have become ever more complex and the new generation of microprocessors, such as the Pentium 4, contains over 40 million transistors. With such a huge number of transistors, the failure of one of them is less likely to entail catastrophic consequences for the entire system. Of course, any malfunction of the central processor is a serious matter, but at the same time the system can boot and work, and fail only when performing some specific functions (for example, when trying to execute protected mode commands).

Primary diagnosis of a computer malfunction

Primary diagnosis can be made by BIOS signals that are played when the computer starts. But for this you need to know the breakdown coding tables. Each BIOS developer (AMI, AWARD, PHOENICS) uses its own code for the type of malfunction. One short beep means for everyone that the initial test (POST) has passed, no errors were found. Still the absence of any signals means that the system does not start when power is applied and the power-on signal is applied. But then it's different for everyone. Read about computer troubleshooting
Sometimes you can tell a hardware problem from a software problem by seeing how the computer behaves after a power outage. Unlike software reset.
Many computer malfunctions can be set to fatal in Windows. But for this you need to make Windows itself work. For example, fixing the death screen error.

Computer hardware malfunctions, symptoms

Processor failure

What are the signs of a processor malfunction:

• computer restarts cyclically
• motherboard won't start
• no download from hard drive
• won't install and also won't boot Windows
• sometimes programs work with errors.
• the processor is very hot, as well as the processor power parts on the motherboard.

If the processor has a built-in memory controller, then memory errors may be due to a faulty processor. Faulty Intel processor- an extremely rare occurrence. But burnt AMD processors meet regularly.

The processor can burn out due to improper assembly if the pins of the board or processor socket are bent. Especially with a short circuit. In this case, the processor is replaced with a new one. It is difficult and risky to determine a processor malfunction at home. After all, it is dangerous to check the malfunction of the processor on your board. Because a burnt processor is able to “burn” the motherboard.

Computer memory not working

Signs of bad memory are as follows. The computer does not boot, intermittent crashes occur, accompanied by a blue screen of death in Windows and applications. reliably diagnosed by special reliable tests. Programs with low validity work quickly, but often do not detect a malfunction.

Tests should be carried out on a motherboard that has a good memory controller. If the controller is in the processor, you need to test it on a known good processor. A memory test with a low confidence program can only confuse you and take extra time. A good memtest program.

Faulty memory should be replaced, it is pointless to repair.

Computer motherboard malfunctions

If the computer motherboard does not work, then the symptoms are as follows:

• the computer does not turn on at all, or turns on but does not boot;
• does not work Computer USB, sound card, as well as a USB keyboard and mouse;
• processor is cold
• Windows does not load or install, the processor overheats.

Troubleshooting: replacement, repair.

Hard drive problems

Symptoms of a failing hard drive:

• the disk does not spin up, is not detected in motherboard BIOS fees;
• Windows does not boot, the computer restarts cyclically, freezes, slows down;
• regular errors and crashes of programs.

Hard drives are worth repairing if the damage is minor or if they contain valuable information.

A damaged SATA cable and poor contact can also be the cause of poor or unstable work hard disk. You can diagnose poor cable quality by the UltraDMA CRC Errors parameter in S.M.A.R.T.
More about .
Troubleshooting: replacement, repair.

Another frequently asked question related to the fact that Windows does not see external hard drive connected via USB. First you need to check if the disk itself is spinning up. If there is complete silence or the disk attempts to spin up (does not gain momentum), then the disk does not start. Therefore, Windows does not see the HDD. The reasons may be the following:

• The disk does not have enough power to work (insert the second end of the splitter into USB);
• Bad cable (the performance of external hard drives is highly dependent on the quality of the cable);
• disk controller in low quality box;
• You are connecting incorrectly - for example, through the front USB connectors of the computer, but you need to connect to the motherboard from the back.

Here are the main reasons why an external drive does not work on a computer.

Video card failure

Video card symptoms:

• garbage, as well as artifacts on the monitor screen, often even before Windows loads;
• the computer does not boot - there is no characteristic sound signal downloads;
• 3D games crash;
• the video card driver crashes and is not installed, games do not work, the 3DMARK test crashes.

A typical cause of video adapter failure is overheating. The critical temperature for a video card chip is about 105º C. To avoid overheating, do not bring the card to such a temperature, clean it in a timely manner. The problem is being checked on another computer.

Computer power supply failure

The fact that the computer turns on and the fans are spinning does not mean that the computer's power supply is working well. It is possible that it is the power supply that is causing the computer to stop working. The power supply has many parameters that it must provide:

• computer supply voltage stable under load + -12V, + -5V;
• limited rectified voltage ripple and high-frequency noise;
• supply the required current to the load.

The computer may not work or be unstable if:

• at least one voltage is reduced;
• has ripples more than allowed.

Over time, any power supply loses power due to aging capacitors. But computer failures can occur due to insufficient PSU power.

Symptoms when you need to check the computer's power supply:

• the computer does not turn on with the button (power is not supplied to the board, as well as fans);
• no boot from hard drive;
• the computer restarts cyclically;
• when turned on, an error is diagnosed;

Power supplies have practically ceased to be repaired, because a standard power supply costs the same as a repair. Repair only expensive blocks.

Computer overheating

Often, computer breakdowns occur due to overheating associated with the dustiness of the system unit. Because dust is a good thermal insulator that prevents heat dissipation. In the photo, the video card burned out, because the computer was not cleaned of dust at all.

Overheating of the processor leads to the fact that the computer starts to slow down, slow down. The overheating of the processor itself can occur due to:

• malfunction of the cooler mounting, which leads to an air gap and a decrease in heat dissipation;
• wear and contamination of the fan bearing, which hums or vibrates at the same time;
• contamination of the fan radiator;
• as well as incorrect BIOS settings.

Computer component incompatibility

Incompatibility of components is a common reason for the inoperability of serviceable devices. Most often, incompatibility occurs in a combination of Intel-AMD components. For example, they replaced Nvidia graphics card on the new card from AMD and the computer stopped starting.

But the incompatibility of computer parts is difficult to diagnose.

Computer software malfunctions

Half of computer failures are due to software problems. This includes errors file system when power fails while writing to a disc. Errors can also be the cause. operating system, its applications, drivers, effects of viruses.

Possible causes of virus infection:

• visiting phishing sites, opening infected emails, and downloading infected programs;
• most likely, the computer has poor anti-virus protection.

If you need professional diagnostics or computer repair, questions about prices, through the contact form. In the vast majority of cases, the cause of the breakdown cannot be determined without diagnostics.