Computer overheated ..Can't start it up

[Jacky890]

Hi i'm new here, my names jacky and i have to say, this is one of the best IT Forums on the net today. I thought i could get some help here

My PC is a MDG Computer
Intel Pentium 4, 2.40 Ghz, 512 MB DDR RAM, Intel 82845G 64 MB Graphics Controller , Vista Ultimate 32 Bit

I know i know.. my specs aren't that great for Vista Ultimate, but it actually runs perfectly fine. Just until it came up with a Error Message during startup saying that it has "overheated" and it allows me to start windows normally again. yet only for around 5 minutes and it shuts down again. Unfortunately now, i can't even boot up my computer.

The guy at MDG Computers had a look at it and said that the Cooling components of the computer aren't working as they should, which kind of makes sense. He also said that there was something wrong with the motherboard i have. I checked the motherboard it was a Intel Desktop Board D845GLVA. I personally don't really believe in what he's saying, if my PC is overheated, could there possibly be a reason with the motherboard? if so i think i'll get a new one, but how do i make sure that i'm buying the correct motherboard that will work with my system.

Thanks alot for your help guys, much appreciated, hopefully i can fixed this problem on my own. (The guy at MDG wanted to charge me $468 for this problem... )

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by Jacky890

Hi i'm new here, my names jacky and i have to say, this is one of the best IT Forums on the net today. I thought i could get some help here

My PC is a MDG Computer
Intel Pentium 4, 2.40 Ghz, 512 MB DDR RAM, Intel 82845G 64 MB Graphics Controller , Vista Ultimate 32 Bit

I know i know.. my specs aren't that great for Vista Ultimate, but it actually runs perfectly fine. Just until it came up with a Error Message during startup saying that it has "overheated" and it allows me to start windows normally again. yet only for around 5 minutes and it shuts down again. Unfortunately now, i can't even boot up my computer.

The guy at MDG Computers had a look at it and said that the Cooling components of the computer aren't working as they should, which kind of makes sense. He also said that there was something wrong with the motherboard i have. I checked the motherboard it was a Intel Desktop Board D845GLVA. I personally don't really believe in what he's saying, if my PC is overheated, could there possibly be a reason with the motherboard? if so i think i'll get a new one, but how do i make sure that i'm buying the correct motherboard that will work with my system.

Thanks alot for your help guys, much appreciated, hopefully i can fixed this problem on my own. (The guy at MDG wanted to charge me $468 for this problem... )

look at this, one reason for overheating is that it needs a good clean,
http://www.overclockeddoc.com/Forum/...hp?topic=282.0

i use a cannister of compressed air, but a soft paint brush ( badger ) works as well. When you do the fan, I put a pencil in to stop it rotating a causeing damage.

I'm in the UK got an upgrade for my system, the works and under £250 for the lot, that does seem very expensive.

[Jacky890]

thanks for the fast reply.. i must say im so frustrated right now..I'm sure that my motherboard is fine, and my fan seems to be spinning around as it should, but i would have to say it is kind of dirty and i've read a couple of articles relating to overheated computers, and they also say to clean up the PC. I'll try my best to do so. and see what happens after.

PS: hey you got any ideas on how to open the fan at the back of the CPU thats visible from the outside.. i took it out but it came out as a whole with the battery lol.. the one inside the case with the motherboard i can clean but that one.. lol

Thanks alot for the help.. i'll take your advice and let you know what happens.

[Jacky890]

OK so i figured out how to clean everything out. and i guess its making progress... now when i hit the power button, the CPU makes a kind of beeping sound and i remembered i got this sound, a while back when i was able to "Start Windows normally" for a while only as mentioned on my first post for around 5 minutes. The thing is, is that it still isn't showing anything on the monitor screen... other words it's still not working after a clean-up ( but it got better i guess) ...

I remember the technician at MDG Computers said that there was something wrong with the Motherboard and The Cooling System (i think he means the fans, but i had a look at the one on the outside and it was like freezing cool lol...) so i suppose the fan is fine ... The only thing that got me puzzled is the motherboard part ..could there really be something wrong with it ...??

If i were to buy a motherboard on my own... can anyone plz tell me how to pick the right one for my PC ? THANKS !

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by Jacky890

OK so i figured out how to clean everything out. and i guess its making progress... now when i hit the power button, the CPU makes a kind of beeping sound and i remembered i got this sound, a while back when i was able to "Start Windows normally" for a while only as mentioned on my first post for around 5 minutes. The thing is, is that it still isn't showing anything on the monitor screen... other words it's still not working after a clean-up ( but it got better i guess) ...

I remember the technician at MDG Computers said that there was something wrong with the Motherboard and The Cooling System (i think he means the fans, but i had a look at the one on the outside and it was like freezing cool lol...) so i suppose the fan is fine ... The only thing that got me puzzled is the motherboard part ..could there really be something wrong with it ...??

If i were to buy a motherboard on my own... can anyone plz tell me how to pick the right one for my PC ? THANKS !

have a word with these guys, new forum, they build them, it all depends on the case and form factor, as to the motherboard, have a look at it the model is on the board, then you can check the makers site for the beep codes.( one beep OK ) motherboard give different beeps to alert to a problem, but doc and db rocket will know.http://www.overclockeddoc.com/Forum/index.php

[Disk_Contented]

A temperature alarm at first switch on is not a sign of a cleaning requirement. Were reduced cooling due to dust build the problem, the symptoms would take longer to show. It can happen where the cooler has come adrift from the CPU though. Incidentally, If the CPU cooler was removed and refitted without attention to the thermal interface material, It would complicate matters.

I think the techie may mean the temperature detection features of the board are at fault. Disabling the temperature shutdown in the BIOS is an option, If it exists.
Or maybe the fan Tachometer signal is missing, thus the Bios assumes no fan is connected and stops the boot process? Check the Bios for a fan warning section, or replace the fan.

It is interesting that a simple clean up effected a change. It may suggest a poorly connecting expansion card, or connector. All should be removed, their contacts cleaned, including RAM, and refitted. You can clean PCI cards, ram etc with a simple pencil eraser. Rub lightly on the Gold coloured edges only. You should see a visible improvement.
For cables, carefully remove and refit them a couple of times. Under conditions of normal use this will be sufficient to restore the contact.
Even the CPU itself is under scrutiny,

You can fit a new mainboard, but a poorly contacting card etc may still cause a problem for you.
It's a case of methodically working through It all.

This is your board:
http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/va/index.htm
I think finding a suitable replacement isn't going to be that easy, based on the socket type alone.

[Jacky890]

thanks alot for the replies, it's much appreciated. Will you guys recommend me to buy a new computer instead? all this buying of the new parts is eventually going to be a whole lot of cash... i might as well buy a new one instead. The PC itself is fairly old like 4 years. I don't think it will last me any longer...but the thing is PCs are being developed so rapidly .. if i buy a new one now ..the next one is going to be better lol. Maybe i need a PC thats upgradable...(how do i check for that lol)..

Hope you guys could give me some suggestions towards what i should look out for when buying a new PC. I know all the main stuff about RAM etc. just not the more in depth stuff.. like the motherboard for example.

Oh and you're right, thats my motherboard alright ..lol

[Disk_Contented]

Currently, the only platform worth considering Is the Intel LGA775. As a long standing AMD user, I eventually went to It.

I see Two choices, Jacky890.
A migration route, where you can reuse your old hardware to some extent, while still having the fastest processors, available.
Asrock 4CoreDual-VSTA (ASUS)

LGA 775 for Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® XE / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D, supporting Quad Core Kentsfield processors

As you see. It covers all the currently available processors, right up to the quad cores

Supports FSB1066/800/533MHz processors and H-T Technology
Supports Dual Channel DDRII667 (DDRII x 2 DIMM slots) and DDR400 (DDR x 2 DIMM slots)
Untied Overclocking : During Overclocking, FSB enjoys better margin due to fixed AGP/PCIE/ PCI Buses
1 x PCI Express Graphics slot
1 x AGP 8X slot
Hybrid Booster - Safe Overclocking Technology
2 x SerialATA 1.5Gb/s connectors, support RAID 0, 1, JBOD functions
HDMI_SPDIF header, providing SPDIF audio output to HDMI VGA card, allows the system to connect HDMI Digital TV/projector/LCD devices.
7.1 CH Windows® Vista™ Premium Level HD Audio (ALC888 Audio Codec)
Supports all features in Windows® Vista™ Premium
HD 8CH I/O: 4 ready-to-use USB2.0 ports, HD 7.1 channel audio jacks

This will support your old memory, as well as newer DDR2 when you want it.
A "legacy" PC that AMD can't currently keep up with.... Quite a nice concept eh? You really can't go wrong.
I have one of these myself.

The other option is a full blown none legacy. Again LGA775, but choose the features you want. The cost will be greater, as you can't use your old memory, AGP etc.
One IDE socket is the norm, so new hard drive is likely to be required.