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General discussion

Athlon 2800+ Won't Boot

Aug 20, 2004 2:08AM PDT

I recently built a computer using:
Athlon 2800+
Ultra Socket A Fan (http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=86205&CatId=99)
300 Watt Power suppy (Cam with case)
Ultra 512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz Memory
XFX GeForce MX 4000 Video Card
Integrated Auio
Motherboard and any other information is avaliable if you require.

My proplem when I first put the system together was that the Windows XP installation CD would not format the drive. Brought the system back to tigerdirect where they changed the cpu and solved that problem. The computer worked well after that running normally. about 50 degrees idle. One day when I started it up I realised that the cpu temperature was up to 66 degrees idle. When windows loaded I noticed serious performance hits that made the computer unusable. I then restarted the computer and checked cpu temperature which I've seen at 73 idle at most. Now the computer does not boot. It turns on, displays a black screen for about 10 seconds and shuts itself off. I would appreciate it if anyone can help me troubleshoot this problem.

Discussion is locked

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Check the CPU's HSF.
Aug 20, 2004 2:53AM PDT

The fan may have died or become clogged. The HSF clamp may have come loose and the HSF is not tightly attached to the CPU.

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Re: Athlon 2800+ Won't Boot
Aug 20, 2004 3:47AM PDT

Provided you won't void your warranty, open you case and inspect the cpu setup. Prolonged operation at high temps can fry an AMD cpu, so don't run it until checked. You may want to see with Tigerdirect before opening in case they try to back out of any warranty, cover your behind here.

good luick -----Willy Happy

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Re: Athlon 2800+ Won't Boot
Aug 20, 2004 7:05AM PDT

I don't see how I can void my warrenty if I put the computer together myself. The Cpu heat sink and fan seamed to be making contact with the cpu and unclogged. The motherboard has overheating protection which I think may be causing it to fail boot. I just don't know what I can do. Thanks for your help so far.

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Silly question but does the fan trun
Aug 20, 2004 7:58AM PDT

fast enough??? Possibly the chip that controls the CPU fan speed has failed.

The mate between the HSF and the CPU should bew immovably tight.

I would question whether the thermal compound was applied properly except that it ran so well for a reasonable time.

Any other fans not working? How about the one in the power supply? [would expect different symptoms but have to ask]

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Re: Silly question but does the fan trun
Oct 8, 2004 12:16PM PDT

I think Ray hit the nail on the head. The thermal grease is a issue alot of people miss. If you applied it to the outer edge, that'll fry the cpu, it needs to be on the little chip in the middle also, that's just the Athlon thing. And yes the shut down is from the mobo, that's why it won't boot. Check the fan lead also and with the cover off, power up just for a second and make sure the cpu fan spins.

My XP-2600 runs at 52

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Too add
Oct 8, 2004 10:14PM PDT

Look close at the placement of heat sink.

AMDs' heat sinks have a lip ......
incorrect installation prevents proper heat transfer.

Bill