Cpu over heating

[jayzad]

My computer has been locking up. So I took off the case and found that the fan was not working. I quess it would run untill it got hot and then would lock up. I turned it on and moved the fan blade and it seems to be coming on/off with the power now. The fan power conection is OK. Question is should I just get a new fan, or could the cpu be damaged. What should I ask the retailer to do for me. I bought the computer about January. It has a one year parts war. if I send it back.

[800XL]

I think a good first step is a call to the retailer/manufacturer of the machine and tell them what is up. If you had to break a "warranty void" seal to open the case, you might want to fudge a little and ask if you can check the fan. ("Its not making the fan noise quite like it used to...") Most places are not that picky about that sort of thing though. They may offer to just send you a new fan/heatsink to replace the one that you have. Most likely it is just the fan getting dirty and not wanting to spin as freely as it used to. Overheating a CPU a few times usually is not damaging to it, so long as you don't do it to long or too often. If they want to make you send it in, get a little pushy with them. Tell them it will cost you more to ship it in than it will to just buy your own fan and put on it. They will most likely see the logic (they usually pay to ship it back to you so it costs them too) and cave in. You can go out and get your own replacement fan/heatsink, but I would still contact them and make sure you are not voiding the warranty by doing so. A warranty is really worth the extra effort if something major does go wrong with it.

If you buy a heatsink and fan, make sure you get something that will work for the CPU you have. What CPU are you working with here?

You could probably get away with buying a new fan and keeping the old one if you ever have to send the machine in. If it comes time to send the system in for repairs, just slap the old unit back on. I'm not condoning trying to "dupe" a manufacturer here, but you can avoid getting screwed out of your warranty for something so petty as a fan. I doubt it will be a problem, as the retailer or whoever holds the warranty will probably be willing to help without making you send the whole box into them. Just remember to be firm with them on the phone and be informed about things. At least sound like you are and you should be fine. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[jayzad]

Thank you 800XL I will try that. The cpu is a socket 7 celeron 333mhz. So you by a computer with a waranty and they put a seal on it to find out if you been in it. My question is how can you upgrade it if you are not allowed to open the case. Do you have to call and ask their premmision.

[everj]

Usually the warranty is a limited one year deal... so wait the year.

One could say if you need to upgrade less than a year after purchase you bought the wrong system.

I wouldn't say that though...open her up and go to town, just be careful with the seal (actually no matter how careful you are, it will be noticable to someone if they look close enough).

Come to think of it I saw a new product for removing stickers and other similar substances, and still allowing them to stick after removal.

If you want I'll hunt that product down for ya.

(Hope I didn't open a can o'worms)

everj





[This message has been edited by everj (edited 05-20-99).]

[Ed_S]

Huh???!!!

"The cpu is a socket 7 celeron 333mhz. ..."

If this is what the vendor told you the CPU is, you've got bigger problems than the fan, THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!

The celeron is not a socket seven product. You need to clarify this before acquiring a fan, either purchased or supplied by seller.
You either have: a socket 7 processor, which cannot be a celeron.
A slot-1 celeron, which mounts in slot on mainboard.
Or a socket 370 celeron, mounts in socket on MB, differs from S7.
In any case, you must get correct fan!

[jayzad]

I was tired when I left my reply to 800xl. The Cpu is socket 370. I don't need any label remover. Thanks anyway. Have you heard about Compaqs cabinet warranty labels. If the labels are taken off they must have some chemical reaction they change colors. Thanks