P4 processor won't post...

[margenhomer]

Hi all
I am trying to help a friend with a CPU problem and am having some difficulty getting a new processor to post to boot screen. I am by no means a Tech but can do moderate upgrades and trouble shoot etc and have done this same proceedure a number of times in the past. The back round to the problem is as follows - My friend was having alot of trouble ( most windows based) with her PC. She asked me to upgrade the Ram - install new DVD burner Etc. She also wanted hard drive formatted and clean windows XP reinstalled.
No problem for me usually to do. The thing is when I got into fixing the problems I started to reload windows and it failed - discovered that there is a error in the processor - cant' recall the code - I wrote it down but seemed to have misplaced it. Any way A tech friend told me CPU (478 pin P4 2.66ghz 512 /533) was Toast and needed to be replaced. I managed to find her another Identical CPU and proceeded to install it however it will not post to boot screen. The Monitor light turns green then orange but not boot buzz and no image. I assumed the new CPU was bad - returned to retailer - he tested it and all was fine.
I attempted to install CPU again - same result. I put the old CPU in machine fires up as normal until it runs into hardware error then shuts down. I have replaced the Video card with my own - no change. Removed the DVD and Ram upgrades - No change.
The only difference I can see in the two CPU's is the old one has
" SL6QA MALAY L326B526" Written on it
The new has"SL6PE MALAY Q32A874"
Does this make a difference?? I am stumped. Might be something I am overlooking but as I said I have done this several times before and never had this kind of trouble.If any one can offer some suggestions I would graetly appreciate it. Thanks in advance

 

[Nick_Leo]

its prob a bad mobo. but since the old cpu fires it up could not be.

 

[margenhomer]

Thanks but that does not add up - old CPU works until crashes but new one does nothing from the start.

 

[ICE_9]

Are the fans all spinning up? Do you hear any BIOS beep codes? Have you put the processor in the board and removed all the ram and heard a BIOS 3 beep code? Is the processor fan plugged in? Is this an OEM box of did someone build it? Have you cleared the BIOS?

 

[margenhomer]

Thanks Ice - yes fans are spinning - (with new processor in )- no beeps with or without ram - this is a build unit - ASUS MOBO -CPU FAn is definately plugged in and spinning, as for clearing Bios not sure how that is done without computer turning on. As I mentioned before all seems normal with old processor until fails ( about 5 mins in) and saw new processor working in different chassis. Also with old processor and no ram there is one long beep or tone not three as you mentioned, not sure if this helps any. Thanks for any further insight.

 

[Spazilton]

Either find the clear CMOS pins, or unplug the computer and remove the battery for 30 minutes to reset the bios.

 

[ICE_9]

Their should be a jumper in close proximity to the CMOS battery. It should have the option to change it from 1-2 to 2-3. Do that for like 10 seconds, then change it back to 1-2. Removing the CMOS battery will do it also. 30 minutes seems too long though. Usually 10-15 seconds works for me.

Um, are you plugging in the 4 pin 12V power connector? That is something that can easily be looked over. Also, might try just hooking up an extra power supply external to the case and have it run the system. Would help rule out any issues with the power supply. Another option would be to remove everything from the case and do a reinstall of all the components to the case. Maybe something is behind the mobo and shorting it out or possibly an issue with the heatsink causing issues. That is more down the road though.