The components of personal computers are easily accessible, and it is not difficult to diagnose and replace a faulty part. Proper and safe disassembly of laptops and tablets requires sufficient professional qualifications.
Modern special diagnostic software allows you to quite accurately determine the cause of the breakdown, be it a faulty video card, microchip or processor failure.
Computer processor malfunction is a topic that deserves a separate article or even an entire scientific work. Because this heart of the computer is such a complex device, it is not possible to clearly identify clear symptoms of problems with the processor.
Symptoms of a CPU Failure
The processor can easily fail due to normal laptop overheating. The fact is that the laptop's cooling cooler has much lower performance than its counterpart. personal computer. If the processor is powerful enough, then during its operation it can easily fail.
If a failure occurs within the kernel at the hardware or software level, the system begins to reboot to eliminate the problem. And this can continue indefinitely.
Also, in the event of a possible processor malfunction, the control program in the BIOS is capable of sending appropriate signals through the internal speaker. But in practice, in the event of a real processor failure, most likely you will not hear any signals.
When disassembling a laptop, carefully evaluate the technical condition of the main components. Upon visual inspection, the processor should not show any deposits or deformations, as well as cracks, etc. The presence of any signs of melting indicates that the silicon chip is operating in overheating mode.
The main and main causes of processor failure are primarily related to a malfunction of the cooling system. When it doesn't work correctly, the vast majority of all breakdowns occur.
However, any malfunction of the laptop processor is fatal for it. Due to the extreme complexity of such a device, repairing the breakdown is not possible, and the use of extremely expensive equipment to solve structural problems is ineffective and unprofitable. For the same price you can buy a hundred new chips.
It should be noted that many modern motherboards have special circuit solutions that allow you to diagnose the absence of a processor or its malfunction in the event of a complete breakdown using sound signals.
There is another way to check the processor for malfunction. You need to remove the cooler, clean the processor from thermal paste and place one or two pieces of paper on the surface of the chip. The paper is needed to avoid getting burned. At normal operation The processor does not heat up instantly, but gradually up to 50 - 70 degrees.
In the event of a breakdown, the processor chip generates a huge amount of heat (up to 150 - 200 degrees) in a short period of time, and this can lead to burns. If you can hold your finger still for up to 30 seconds, then your processor is working normally.
If the temperature is unbearable within just a few seconds (up to three), then the chip is clearly overheated and will soon burn out. If there is no temperature at all, then this is a clear sign of a breakdown or another part of your laptop. It may already be
CPU degradation (chip, cpu degradation -eng.) is a process of destruction or core damage processor, or some part of it, due to exceeding given conditions operation, manufacturing defects or severe wear. Even one a failed one may result in the inability to use the entire chip.
Damage to the processor most often occurs due to the processor creating conditions not regulated manufacturer. It can be high temperatures use, insufficient or uneven cooling, excessive voltage and operating frequency.
Under these conditions, it may occur electron migration in semiconductors of processor transistors. That is, from the isolation ward, they will turn into a high resistance conductor.
That is, electrons can at a certain moment jump over“wrong way” and stay there. This will lead to incorrect switching transistor, that is error, which then entails other plurals. The processor is often damaged (takes 10-60% transistor budget of the processor), which not so dangerous. After all, the processor cache memory has an error correction system ( ECC).
If the processor has already degraded, then for error prevention, it can help to lower the operating frequency, which will unload the damaged transistor and, therefore, it will cope with its task for some time. In most cases it helps combined voltage reduction, together with frequency.
What not to do to avoid processor degradation :
· For each processor architecture, there is threshold meaning voltage, in which it can function for a long time without damage. These values are usually stated in the specifications or on the manufacturer’s website. Do not increase the processor voltage above this value. In any case, you should not increase the voltage higher 1.38 V. Manufacturers note precisely this maximum figure, although in reality voltages above 1.4 V lead to degradation, albeit extended over time.
· Do not allow the processor to operate for a long time under critical temperature. This temperature is specified in the specifications. Her excess for a long time, can lead to damage processor and electron migration. Take care of high-quality processor cooling.
· Do not use the processor in extreme overclocking for operation in mode 247 . Depending on the processor instance, this is also one of the main reasons for processor failure. The processor runs on wear and there is a good chance that in a few years he will refuse to take tests at the same frequency. Lowering the processor frequency, in most cases helps to avoid errors at work.
CPU- one of dozens of microcircuits located on the motherboard. However, despite its relatively small size (smaller than a matchbox), it contains hundreds of millions of transistors and other electronic components that make up numerous functional blocks responsible for one or another processor capability: integer operations, semicolon operations, cache -memory, video controller, etc. It is this fact that makes it one of the most complex devices in your computer. Therefore, it is not surprising that such high complexity of the processor is the main reason for its possible inoperability. In addition, the design of the processor, or, to be more precise, its single-module nature and extremely high “population” of components makes it impossible to repair the processor not only at home, but also in a service center.
If we exclude a natural malfunction - the life of the smallest of the processor components - the main “enemies” of the processor’s performance are the following.
- Heat. The processor gets warm during operation, and this is normal. The temperature level depends on the type of processor and the complexity of its “filling”. So, for the simplest single-core processors, the normal indicator is 30-40 °C; for processors with two or more cores, this indicator can be 60, 80, or even 130 °C. The optimal temperature is below average, which occurs when the processor load is low. Even though any modern processor has a hardware-based function to turn off the processor's power when the maximum possible heating temperature is reached, you should not abuse this and constantly use the processor at the limit of its capabilities. Otherwise, the service life of the processor will be noticeably reduced.
- Low-efficiency processor cooling system. The processor cooling system allows you to keep its temperature in the normal range, which makes it possible to work without failures for the time allotted by its service life. It is clear that if the cooling system does not cope with its work, the temperature of the processor is always at a higher level, which shortens its service life, and in some cases can lead to overheating and failure. By the way, in practice, processor overheating manifests itself as frequent computer freezes.
- Freelance mode of operation. In addition to the temperature on which the performance of the processor depends, there are a number of factors that can lead to malfunction. Thus, many users practice overclocking the processor by increasing the core voltage, system bus clock frequency or frequency multiplication factor. The positive side of overclocking is the additional performance of the processor, which allows you to do without replacing the processor with a more powerful one for some time. The negative side of overclocking is the abnormal operation of the electronic components of the processor. This invariably leads to a noticeable increase in processor temperature, which often causes core destruction.
One should also not exclude the possibility of elementary physical damage to the processor, which can occur as a result of improper installation of the processor in the processor slot on the motherboard. In practice, this looks like bent or even broken contact pins on the processor plate.
The processor is the heart of the computer. When this element fails, the entire system ceases to function. You will not be able to use your PC until you purchase a new processor. But let us immediately note that such a nuisance rarely awaits users. Every PC owner should be able to identify the signs of a burned-out processor. We will present you with several instructions that will help you identify the problem yourself.
Causes of malfunction
The main reason why the processor in your computer can burn out is simple system overheating. Because of this, the PC begins to work unstable, “lag” and “slow down”. This is the most harmless consequence of the problem. If it is running, then you can bring the matter to a burnt out processor.
This device (like a video card) in a PC is cooled by a special fan - a cooler. A desktop computer may have 2-3 such coolers, while a compact laptop may have one. Hence, you need to constantly monitor the performance of the coolers, which prevent the process from overheating.
Who is guilty?
What causes your computer to overheat? The problem may be not only faulty, but also weak coolers. For example, if on your computer powerful processor, and the fans are designed for the average CPU.
The second culprit is dust. Debris clogs the fan blades and prevents them from rotating at full speed. As a result, the device cools the processor poorly.
And the third reason is poor quality, old thermal paste. Often it dries out so much that it bakes onto the radiator.
First signs of a problem
When a processor burns out, the first signs of big trouble are as follows:
- The coolers on the device began to make suspicious noise. You should disassemble the computer and see what condition the fans are in. If necessary, they are cleaned of dust and the play is checked. Or they replace the faulty cooler with a new one.
- Blue screen of death". Not so common, but a characteristic sign. Appears both when turned on and during operation. At the same time, it indicates a malfunction of other components.
- Constant independent system reboots. In this way, it tries to fix processor malfunctions.
BIOS signal
If the processor on a PC burns out, the BIOS system will indicate signs of a malfunction. You just need to correctly decipher its signals.
To do this, turn on your computer. Listen to what kind of signals the BIOS speaker makes. Find the instructions for the device, where their meaning will be described. However, such research only allows you to narrow the search for the problem, and does not provide a specific answer to the question.
Experienced users note that the BIOS rarely signals a processor burnout. Therefore, if you do not hear a signal, then you should suspect the CPU.
It is not uncommon for the computer to turn on, its coolers start to work, but the screen does not light up. Some people immediately blame the video card. But the BIOS reports precisely this malfunction with a specific signal. If it is not there, then the reason is most likely in the same processor.
Decoding the BIOS signal
Computer technicians advise you to understand the signals that the BIOS sends to the user. If there is a particular equipment error, as already mentioned, the system makes certain sounds separated by pauses. How to decipher them? You need to count a number, a sequence of long and short signals. This will be the decryption of the message.
So, how to determine the signs of a burned-out processor using BIOS signals:
- First of all, you need to determine the BIOS developer of your motherboard. This information is contained in the operating instructions of this device. The decoding of system signals directly depends on the manufacturer.
- Below we will present how certain systems talk about processor problems.
- If the BIOS is silent, then there are two diagnostic methods left: disassemble the system unit (to visually identify the burned-out processor) or test the serviceability of the device on another computer.
Types of BIOS and signal decoding
So that you can understand whether the processor really burned out, we present signs of possible problems in the article. Look at how they talk about problems with the BIOS processor from various developers:
- Award BIOS. High-pitched squeaking sound when PC is running. This signal indicates that to protect it from burning out, the user should turn off the computer as quickly as possible. If you have just started the device and hear alternating low-frequency and high-frequency signals, this means that the processor is faulty or overheated.
- AST BIOS. One short signal indicates that an error occurred while checking the processor registers, therefore the CPU is faulty. In this case, the device must be taken to a specialized center. An unqualified technician will not be able to repair the processor on his own.
- AMI BIOS. Five short beeps indicate a processor malfunction. If you hear 7 short sounds, then there is an error in the processor’s virtual mode. Since these are different problems, you need to listen carefully to the signals so as not to mistake the problem.
Parsing the system unit
If the processor burns out, the easiest way to visually detect signs of trouble is when inspecting the device. For this:
- Remove the cover of the system unit and get to the processor.
- The cooler must be removed from the component.
- Next is the radiator: by unscrewing it, or by snapping off special fasteners (depending on the model).
- If the processor burns out, the sign is characteristic inside the case. But in some cases it may not exist.
- The next diagnostic step: inspect the area around the socket itself. If it is blackened and melted, it means that your suspicions are correct. In some cases, the problem can be solved by simply updating the burnt thermal paste with a new one. Remember that a fresh layer of the substance is applied in an even, thin layer.
- Reassemble the processor and place the case into the system unit. Turn on your computer. If the monitor doesn't light up again, your processor is likely burned out.
Checking a component on another computer
Signs of a burned-out processor on a computer may not always be obvious. To make sure that this particular component has failed, experts recommend one simple and accurate diagnosis: check the functionality of the device on another computer.
But we will definitely warn you: the method is also dangerous. If the processor is faulty, then there is a high risk of breaking the motherboard of another PC. Therefore, as soon as you are convinced that the processor is burned out, immediately turn off the computer! Don't keep it active for a long time.
Before installing the processor in another computer, be sure to change the layer of thermal paste on the CPU itself and on the heatsink to a fresh one. Assemble the system. Turn on your computer. The screen lights up, are the systems functioning normally? There's nothing wrong with your processor. The root of the problem is in another component.
Changing the processor to a new one
By the way, the signs of a burnt-out processor on a radio are not much different from those observed on a PC. The device refuses to function, and when you disassemble it, you see a melted, blackened socket. There may also be a characteristic burning smell.
And we return to the computer. You see all the signs of a burnt-out processor on your PC, you are sure that the component is faulty. There is only one way out of the situation - purchasing a new device:
- Before purchasing a replacement, be sure to arm yourself with the characteristics of the broken device.
- The new processor must be compatible with your motherboard. How to find out? Go to the motherboard manufacturer's website and find your model. As a rule, the manufacturer includes a compatibility table with the product. Based on this data, you need to select a new processor.
- The device has been purchased. What to do next? You have two options: entrust the replacement to qualified specialists service center or do all the work yourself.
If you chose the second option, then we invite you to follow the instructions further:
- Before starting work, be sure to turn off the computer and disconnect its sockets.
- Open the side cover of the system unit. The processor is located in the system under the radiator cooler.
- To replace, you need to remove the cooler from the device. Usually its latches can be easily removed. Only for some models it is necessary to first remove it from the case motherboard.
- After you have secured the latches, carefully remove the processor from the cooler. In some cases, components may stick to each other. Then you will need to lightly turn the cooler around its axis to move it out of place.
- Next, open the socket retaining latch to remove the old damaged processor.
- Replacement is simple: install a new one in place of the faulty one. Then be sure to snap the locking bracket into place.
- When replacing, it is important to be careful in all actions. At the end of the procedure, make sure that the processor is in the correct position in the socket, in accordance with the existing key tabs.
- Be sure to apply a thin layer of thermal paste to the top cover of the processor. Carefully spread the substance over the surface.
- Be sure to remove the layer of old thermal paste from the bottom surface of the cooler. For cleaning it is best to use a rag or soft paper.
- Install the cooler in the system unit. Make sure that all of its latches are fully latched and that the device is tightly and securely fastened. The cooler itself should fit snugly against the processor.
- Final step: close the system case, turn on the device to check the functionality of the newly installed processor.
How to avoid the problem?
We've discussed how to check for signs of a burnt-out processor. And in order not to encounter this, we recommend that you install it on your PC special program, capable of monitoring the temperature of system components. On the Internet you will find a large selection of similar applications - paid and free, simple and advanced.
Experts also advise not to use games or applications that require a more powerful system than your PC to run. Such programs can also cause the processor temperature to rise to critical levels.
Now you know how to identify a burnt-out processor and replace it with a new one. But it’s easier to prevent such a problem.
Processors, these are my favorite devices, I studied them a lot, but the truth is not just like that... I mean that basically I worked closely with them in 2005-2010, when there was an era of the 775 socket, in general, okay, I think that you are not very interested =)
In general, I want to tell you what will happen if the processor operates at a high frequency, I will say right away that in most cases nothing will happen, the processor will sort it out on its own =)
That is, the processor can work like this, but for how long? I think not, and the protection system of the processor itself will work. At high temperatures, if it does not drop, the processor begins to save itself - that is, it simply makes less power that it can produce.
This process is called throttling (or, in other words, clock throttling), by skipping some machine cycles, the processor, as it were, takes off the load. Of course, this also reduces its performance. This behavior begins with all modern processors, but with Intel, for example, already at 100 degrees. But, my personal opinion is that 80 degrees is no longer good, it’s like a person’s temperature is 38. That is, you can walk, but it’s freezing and you generally feel unwell, that’s how it is with the processor.
And now further, in general, the processor here is best prepared and hardened (unlike the motherboard on which it runs), so to speak, for years, I mean Intel, but I don’t think that AMD is worse, especially since the top processors there are much hotter.
In general, you need to look at what’s going on with the cooling, I’m sure that if there are problems with it, then these are:
1) The cooling is stupidly clogged with everything possible, the cooler is covered with a coat of dust, the fan barely works, or even doesn’t work at all (well, that’s generally already the case).
2) The cooler is normal, the fan works, but the junction between the processor and the radiator base is NOT tight. The minimum gap, the very minimum, and the temperature will be much higher. What to do? Disassemble the computer, remove the processor and look at the sole, I think you can understand HOW tightly it sticks to the process, or look at the processor (dry areas are where there is NO contact between the radiator and the processor cover).
3) If you don’t want to disassemble the computer, then at least remove the side cover of the computer, this will make it a little easier.
In general, if I may say so, the heyday of this problem came on Pentium 4 processors, which often heated up simply inadequately. The Pentium 4 on the Northwood core started throttling even at a temperature of 80 degrees, and it is very easy to reach such a temperature - as soon as you launched a game.
Well, the most important question is, what will happen if the processor continues to operate at high temperatures without stopping? If the temperature does not drop, then sooner or later the processor will say “that’s enough, I’m gone” and turn off, and the computer will turn off, that is, the processor will simply stop, and as for me, this behavior from Intel in terms of processors is very reasonable.I will also say that when buying a top model from AMD, always think well about cooling, although I like AMD because they make eight-core processors for home use, but do not forget about heat dissipation =)