Dead MOBO, or CPU ???

[Sark]

Can someone tell me whether a PC needs a CPU to boot. I'm now convinced I have either a bad board, or a bad CPU. Just trying to figure out which is the most likely.

I can switch my system on from the front Power On button and the PSU functions, and the CPU fan turns, but I get no POST, no beeps etc and nothing on my screen. Also both the Power On light and Reset button light remain on, and I can't turn the unit off using the Power On button, I have to use the rear PSU switch.

I'm convinced something was damaged when my old PSU started dying. Just don't know what is the most likely problem, Board (ECS K7S5A), or CPU Athlon 1400XP).

Any Opinion

Cheers

Sark

PS... I currently have an Athlon 1400XP CPU in my board with two sticks of DDR Ram. Does anyone know if this board would be a good replacement if it is the board that is dead... http://www.ebuyer.com/product/59335/product_info/rb/21673935143

[chimpuk]

Yes you do need a CPU to boot

That sounds 100% like a dead motherboard to me m8, but I suppose it could be worth trying another CPU if anyone has one lying about

And yes that board would be fine, pretty basic but Ive always found PCChips ones OK as long as you dont except the earth from them

[Sark]

Chimpuk. Thanks for the reply.

I don't have a spare CPU to test, but for the price I don't mind buying this board as although it's just for a basic system, the old board was getting on anyway. Will go ahead and order one.

Just one other question. Just in case it's the CPU. Would it be possible to insert the CPU in the new board without fitting the heatsink and fan, just to check it at least goes through POST and I get the normal boot info.

My heatsink spring requires a lot of effort to install and I don't want to install, uninstall and then reinstall if a new CPU is required.

Cheers

Sark

Edit...Forgot to ask. Does the old thermal paste usually come off quite easilly, or is there a chemical I need to buy that is used to remove it...Cheers

[Van Nugent]

Just in case it's the CPU. Would it be possible to insert the CPU in the new board without fitting the heatsink and fan, just to check it at least goes through POST and I get the normal boot info.You don't want to do that, especially with the socket A CPU's, even if you can. The system won't let you boot up when it doesn't see the CPU fan's RPM signal. Without the heatsink, the CPU will be burned in just seconds.

[PhilEnfield]

As for cleaning off the old thermal paste and applying new, it's best to use proper cleaning solution, I would recommend Arctic Silver.

Have a look here for cleaner and thermal paste : http://www.overclockers.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eoverclocker s%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fsearch%2ehtml&WD=arctic&PN=Thermal_Materials%2ehtml%23aAC_2d000_2dAC#aAC_2 d000_2dAC

[Lazza]

As for cleaning off the old thermal paste and applying new, it's best to use proper cleaning solution, I would recommend Arctic Silver.

Have a look here for cleaner and thermal paste : http://www.overclockers.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eoverclocker s%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fsearch%2ehtml&WD=arctic&PN=Thermal_Materials%2ehtml%23aAC_2d000_2dAC#aAC_2 d000_2dAC

Personally I would go here instead as OC charge about £7 postage even on a tiny item like this wheras I think I paid about £1.20 with TCS. :)

http://www.thecoolingshop.com/index.php/cPath/98_35

[Sark]

Thanks for all the replies.

Will go ahead and order the Arctic silver range. Will also just have to install the HS and fan and hope the CPU is fine.

Thanks again

Sark

[PhilEnfield]

Nice link Laz ..... added to my favourites ;)