Should I pay for Diag?

Question

My computer is overheating, i hope. It turns off automatically after very little use, usually during processor intensive activiities, but not every time. I tried RMClock, but it doesn't show the temperature. I believe it indicated the processor was overheating, but looking at the charts and such i couldn't tell. Diagnosis at fry's is $70, not something i really want to pay ,especially if i have to do repairs after. Should i just buy a good heat sink (using OEM (it's a P4 BTW)) and see if that takes care of it? not overclocking or anything. Is there anything i can do before i pay for diag?

Answer 1

Based on your other quesiton, it could also be your power supply unit (PSU). If it is an el cheapo, then it could be shutting down when too much power is drawn from it.

Try this program for CPU temp: http://www.thecoolest.zerobrains.com/CoreTemp/ althoug hyour mobo might not support temp monitoring.

Answer 2

Does your motherboard support CPU temperature monitoring? You might want to check the BIOS to see if it can tell you the current CPU temp. If it does, I'd recommend checking it right after it does a shutdown to see if you are exceeding the maximum temp (I want to say my system is set at 85° C, but I haven't had to check it in a while). Your motherboard vendor may also provide monitoring utilities that can be run while in MS Windows. I'd consider reapplying the thermal paste (tube can be purchased starting around $7 (USD)) before purchasing the diagnostic softwares. Just make sure you apply the paste properly or you could end up distributing the heat to an area of the CPU that can't tolerate it very well (speaking from experience)

Answer 3

No frys is a rip. Post some messages in the google groups and get some help.

Answer 4

Getting a good heatsink should help with that. There are some heatsinks for under $20. I'm in the market for one myself...check out this link : )