computer frustrations - cry for help to the lazyweb

[curgoth]

My desktop has been having overheating issues for a while now. I have to leave a floor fan sitting next to the open cabinet or else the CPU overheats almost immediately after starting up. Having now burnt out the motor on a floor fan in this manner, I am asking for help trying to figure out what exactly is wrong with this thing. The CPU is not overclocked, so far as I know. The motherboard temp is fine, and all three fans, including the CPU fan, are running properly. Anyone have any ideas what might be malfunctioning, so that I can try to replace it?

Comments

[pez-minotaur.livejournal.com]

dust contamination in the bearings for the fan could be causing the grease to thicken, you'll need to buy a new fan and try and control the dust in the area. Or the thermal conductive gel between the heatsync and the processor could be damaged or not properly applied. These are problems I've suffered with my tower in the past. Other than that I don't know what could be the problem.

[curgoth]

Hmm. I blast the inside regualrly with compressed air, so I'm betting against dust. The gel thing sounds plausible, though...

[corbet.livejournal.com]

It's not the computer malfunctioning -- it's lightning bolts from the gods! Told ya not to flirt with their daughters! :P

More seriously, I know little 'bout the inner workings of puters, but could external power fluctuations cause this? Have you tried plugging it in elsewhere? If I recall correctly, your building's old enough that the wiring might not be entirely up to spec, or at least not up to the demands of a roomful of electronics. :) Just wondered since you mention the fan went toast too -- did it definitely die a death of old age?

[curgoth]

Hrm. I have had power issues before... mebbe it is past time to get me a UPS. We do definitely have frequent power flips in the office...

As for the Gods-daughters, I totally didn't know they were semi-divine! Though, in retrospect, the aura of flickering blue and white light shoukld have tipped me off...

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Totally past time to get the UPS.

This non-techie rolls her eyes at you. Uh, yeah!