My computer just shut down for no reason!!?????HELP!!?

Question

my computer shut down for no reason when i turned it back on there was a message saying " computer shut down last time due to thermal breakdown. what does that mean??

Hey guys i just checked i only have one fan and its still working..

Answer 1

Ouch.

It means that your CPU fan may be shot, a case fan is shot, or the connection between the heat sink and the CPU is not good (lack of thermal compound, or the fan isn't notched in correctly.

If you don't know what you are doing, then take your computer to a shop that can fix it. This is fixable, but may cost $100.

If it's just a fan, you can easily replace it if you learn a little about it.

EDIT:

Which fan is NOT operating?

If it is the CPU fan (the one mounted right on top of the CPU - pretty obvious), go to a computer store and tell them what processor you have (such as Pentium D, PIII, etc) That information should be provided on the computer case, or check your documentation. They will get you a replacement fan and heat sink assembly. You will also need thermal compound if the heat sink doesn't have a thermal transfer plate already attached. Just ask, they will tell you. If you actually need a small tube, then spread about a grain of rice size bit of thermal paste on the top of the processor, spread it around, and mount the heat sink and fan on top of it, plug it in, and you are done.

A case fan is a little easier and cheaper. Take out the broken one (if this is the case) and take it to a computer shop so they can get you a compatible replacement.

Do not use the computer until the fan situation is remedied. You will damage the electronics, or the computer won't even let you use it anyways!

Answer 2

It simply means that your CPU/fan/heat sink system is in trouble and you need to take your machine to a reliable shop to check it and fix the problem.

Good luck

Answer 3

that means your computer over heated, maybe you should check out the fans inside it