Is my CPU screwed?
Discussion
I've got a laptop with a Pentium III with 512mb ram. Since doing a clean install of XP Pro the performance is crap, like using 100% CPU power to run Media Player.
If I try to play a DVD it'll run for 2 minutes and then the computer switches off (Not like shutting down, it'll just lose its power, just like the electricity being turned off with no warnings), same with installing and printing, too much load and it'll switch off.
When CPU usage is at 100% it appears to make a high pitched sound too
Also, if I click on system properties and check what CPU I have if it's under load it'll say I have a 350mhz PIII, under normal conditions it says 1.1Ghz.
Should it adjust itself like that?
I forgot to mention that when it does switch off it won't switch back on
It'll start for 2 seconds then go off. I have to remove the battery and start it. But it'll switch off on both battery or mains or with both on it doesn't matter.
Does this sound like a sh
ed CPU?
>>> Edited by schueymcfee on Friday 30th April 14:44
If I try to play a DVD it'll run for 2 minutes and then the computer switches off (Not like shutting down, it'll just lose its power, just like the electricity being turned off with no warnings), same with installing and printing, too much load and it'll switch off.
When CPU usage is at 100% it appears to make a high pitched sound too
Also, if I click on system properties and check what CPU I have if it's under load it'll say I have a 350mhz PIII, under normal conditions it says 1.1Ghz.
Should it adjust itself like that?
I forgot to mention that when it does switch off it won't switch back on
It'll start for 2 seconds then go off. I have to remove the battery and start it. But it'll switch off on both battery or mains or with both on it doesn't matter. Does this sound like a sh
ed CPU? >>> Edited by schueymcfee on Friday 30th April 14:44
Plotloss said:
Did it work fine before XP?
Not heard of symptoms like this before.
Though if its the CPU its now a doorstop not a laptop. They are usually hardwired...
I had no problems in 3 years with it when running XP Home and then as soon as I upgrade to XP Pro I run into problems. I was wondering if there was some kind of CPU or chipset drivers that need to be installed.
schueymcfee said:
Well! I pulled it apart, blew off the dust and put it back together again and kicked it and it's working fine now! 
Oh, I also removed what looks like a faulty ethernet card
Nice one. I was about to suggest checking the system fan, as I once saw a Dell laptop that behaved a little bit like that once it had been dropped
The corner of the case where the fan was got dented - just enough to foul the fan and overheat the CPU.Gassing Station | Computers, Gadgets & Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff