Couple of problems I've come across, Andy: 1. The heat sink on the top of the processor has loosened up, and is no longer making solid contact with the processor itself. It could look solid, but if it separates from the CPU even a little, it can cause overheating.
2. The fan is working, but due to age, dust, it has slowed down to the point it is ineffective. 3. Dust build-up on either in inflow or outflow vents for the fan(s). If either in or out goes through the power supply, it's sometimes difficult to see the buildup without opening the supply. On my old Gateway, there was a fan on the cpu itself, but it blew hot air directly into the power supply! Talk about overheating! What wattage is your power supply rated at? Most PCs come with 200 to 300 watt supplies, which may be adequate for the base system, but if you add peripherals, such as USB sound cards, CD Burners, video cards, additional memory, and so on, it taxes the power supply so much that it can overheat. Hope this gives some clues! 73 Dave KB3MOW Andrew O'Brien wrote: > > Please excuse the not-directly ham related issue. A PC I have used > for 2 years without issues is suddenly closing down due to > overheating. At quick glance the CPU fan appears to be working but > will run temp tests. Any other suggestions if not CPU fan? > > -- > Andy K3UK > www.obriensweb.com > (QSL via N2RJ) > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 269.23.16/1433 - Release Date: 5/14/2008 > 4:44 PM >