CPU Failure Symptoms [Fix Fried CPU]

By John Adebimitan

Processors are pretty much the brain of the computer, and having a Failing or fried CPU is in many cases, one of the most frustrating issues computer users have had to deal with. So we are putting this article together to show you how to tell if your processor is bad.

In addition to sharing signs of a bad processor with you, this article will also share CPU Failure Symptoms so that you take the needed steps to rectify the fault, and also options you have if your processor is either fried or just bad.

CPU Failure Symptoms – How to Tell If Your Processor Is Bad

  • If the computer turns on and turns back off immediately, there is a chance that your processor is bad.
  • Another symptom of a faulty processor is if the fans run at the highest speeds when the computer turns on without the operating system loading.
  • Your CPU is probably bad if the computer screen freezes after a few minutes of being turned on. The freezing could sometimes be when the operating system is being loaded when you’re starting up your computer.
  • You’d also see the blue screen death. This is one of the most obvious signs that your processor is bad.
  • In some cases, when your computer is overheating when the fans are bad, or when they are clogged with dust, you should act fast, as while this isn’t always an indication that something is wrong, is often an indication that your processor is at risk of damage.
  • If you notice continuous beeping, then you might want to check your processor. The beeping sound is a result of the BIOS that reviews your PC and scans for hardware issues. When it does, it produces different numbers of beeps; when you notice five or seven beeps, then the CPU is bad.
  • Going back to overheating, when you open the motherboard, you’d notice that the CPU looks charred or the circuit around the CPU has marks of burns, at this point, the entire motherboard and/or the processor is gone, and you might want to change the whole motherboard.
  • If unhealthy amounts of electrical power surge through the computer, or if there is lightning, and the power supply goes weak, and then the PC doesn’t come on, there is a chance that the power surge has rendered the CPU useless. You don’t have to worry about this, though, if you have a backup battery attached to your PC.

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CPU Failure Symptoms [Fix Fried CPU]

Why do processors go bad?

  • One reason why a processor might start developing issues, as you have seen, is heat. When the processor lead is overheating, there is a chance that it’ll get the processor damaged. So be quick to act if your computer cooling mechanism is bad.
  • Age is another factor that you should consider. 5 years or more of using a computer automatically puts it into a grace period, which means you’re going to notice more issues, and it can die anytime.
  • Overclocking a CPU can also cause it to fail. Don’t give a dual-core CPU the job of an eight-core processor. There is nothing wrong with overclocking, but be realistic. If a game gives you a minimum requirement that it needs to run, or a software or video and photo editor, don’t run the software on anything lower than the minimum requirement.

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How to Repair a Dead Processor if you notice CPU Failure Symptoms

If you sense that the processor is dead, we never recommend that you try to repair it. But we can share repair tips that will help you when you’re experiencing this issue. In this case, we recommend a complete replacement of the dead processor.

To replace a dead processor (CPU), start by unplugging the processor fan >> Unlatch the clips that are securing the processor fan and the heat sink >> You’ll find a horizontal arm that is securing the processor, release the locking lever by lifting it >> hold the processor by the sides with your thumb and index finger and lift it straight up to remove it >> Ensure that the new processor is the same as the old, and gently, but firmly set it in place and return the locking lever to its horizontal locked position >> put a small amount of thermal compound on the middle of the processor >> return the heat sink and fan connections and use the locking clips.

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