[Ham-Computers] RE: Computer shutting itself down

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> pull the processor and inspect the botton of the processor for burn marks You may be surprised at what is hidden from site 

This is more true for older AMD processors that didn't have internal thermal monitoring.  These processors were known for self-destructing if you didn't have proper heat-sinking (literally within seconds of power-up).  The processor that Dave has is a relatively modern P4 that has thermal controls and will automatically throttle itself down if it reaches a certain temperature and completey shutdown if it needs to.


>>> Just to be sure replace the motherboard battery while you are at it.

In Dave's situation, I don't think it's necessary, but CR2032's are cheap and it won't hurt anything (other than needing to redo the CMOS settings).


>>> Be sure to disconnect the hard drive before you do this.

Interesting...never heard of this one before...why would one need to disconnect the HD in order to replace the CMOS battery?  There may be a valid reason for this, but I've never heard of it.  Can anyone enlighten us on this one?


73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O