New PC Probem

[bryanmaguire]

Well new as in I’ve just built it. When I turned it on for the first time I got an error saying “system failed cpu test”. As it obviously needs to check this early on in the POST I couldnt imagine its anything to do with the memory or hard drives etc. Basically this error message means only one thing to me : The processor is fried.

So, is this a reasonable assumption? Is it really possible for a cpu to go through quality control and still be duff?

MB and CPU specs : Asus P4C800-E Deluxe MB. Intel P4 3.0 GHZ processor.

[Q.E.D]

Try this before replacing the processor:

1. Disconnect all drives.
2. Remove all extraneous expansion cards (except video, which is probably onboard anyway)
3. Disconnect all peripherals, including keyboard and mouse.
4. Remove processor and inspect for damaged pins.
5. If all pins look intact and clean, reseat processor.
6. Try starting your computer. If you still get this error, then there’s a good bet the chip is fried. It happens. If the system starts, reattach each device one at a time to see which one is causing the problem.

[bryanmaguire]

I tried all that QED and its still the same. Looks like I need a new cpu.

[Quartz]

Given that you are not getting beep tones and getting a message, your CPU may actually be ok, but the BIOS may have the wrong settings. Try resetting your BIOS.

And are you absolutely sure that you have the right type of CPU? It wouldn’t be the first time that someone’s been sent an incorrect CPU.

[bryanmaguire]

@qts

Given that you are not getting beep tones and getting a message, your CPU may actually be ok, but the BIOS may have the wrong settings. Try resetting your BIOS.

And are you absolutely sure that you have the right type of CPU? It wouldn’t be the first time that someone’s been sent an incorrect CPU.

Its defintely the right CPU.

Maybe I should probably explain some more. The MB I bought doesnt use beep for errors. It actually speaks any POST errors to you.

[kinoons]

@bryanmaguire

Its defintely the right CPU.

Maybe I should probably explain some more. The MB I bought doesnt use beep for errors. It actually speaks any POST errors to you.

My MDB is also the same as yours, no beep codes, it just talks to me.

What QTS is describing is clearing the NVram on the motherboard. It is generally done by removing the battery and moving a jumper (YMMV, see MBD owners manual). Its worth giving it a shot, but not too likely to solve the problem. If that does not work I’d return the chip.

[Uncommon_Sense]

@kinoons

My MDB is also the same as yours, no beep codes, it just talks to me.

What QTS is describing is clearing the NVram on the motherboard. It is generally done by removing the battery and moving a jumper (YMMV, see MBD owners manual). Its worth giving it a shot, but not too likely to solve the problem. If that does not work I’d return the chip.

What if the chip is good but something on the MB is dicked?
The OP gets a new chip and then finds out the MB is toast.

Can you take them both back? - Just to be sure…

[Hirka_T_Bawa]

I don’t know if your motherboard has it, but make sure you have both the 20pin and the 4pin power connectors hooked up. The 4 pin power connector is what powers the CPU, so if it is not hooked up you would get that error.

[kinoons]

@Hirka T'Bawa

I don’t know if your motherboard has it, but make sure you have both the 20pin and the 4pin power connectors hooked up. The 4 pin power connector is what powers the CPU, so if it is not hooked up you would get that error.

Thanks for bringing this up – I have an AMD and didnt even think of it…

The new P4’s require two power sources. They use the standard power connector and than an additional power connector. Be sure they are both plugged in.