Common problems with the
Computer’s CPU
The CPU (Central Processing
Unit), found on the computer’s motherboard, serves as the main information
processor in a computer. A CPU also known as microprocessor is made from a
wafer of semiconducting material usually silicon with millions of electrical
components on its surface. The CPU is the heart of the computer as it times,
controls the rest of the system and also performs arithmetic and logic
operations on data.
There are problems that can
be faced with the CPU. These problems can be divided into various categories,
which will be discussed in this blog.
1. Hardware
Problem
Assembly Error – This
could be a factory error though there are always quality checks to ensure good
quality of product. Error can come in during construction of part such as
broken pins or connectors, even missing part. If you purchased the PC as new,
then it will be under warranty for at least a year.
Loose or Damaged Component – Part
may be loosed or damaged or even wear out. You can always check to see if your
CPU is properly secured on the motherboard.
Device Manager – You
can check for missing hardware driver using the device manager. The device
manager will also report the origin of any hardware malfunction or problem.
To
use Device Manager, open Control Panel – System – Device Manager.
CPU Overheating – This
can cause a problem in operating. If you modified your computer to operate at a
higher processing speed than the original setting by overclocking, your PC
is prone to overheating. This can be solved by installing an external fan for
your desktop PC or a higher powered heat sink. For a laptop, you will need an
external cooling fan. You can also monitor the temperature of your PC using
available software.
2. Software
Problem
Driver’s Update – If
your computer begins to crash, you may need to update or replace some of your
device drivers. You can also use Windows Update to make necessary corrections
for some unknown device drivers.
Booting up Problem – At
system start up, the POST (Power On Self-Test) displays any hardware
malfunctions.
Slow Booting or Loading – There
may be a problem with your operating system or hard drive space. Try to free up
some space on your hard drive by removing unwanted temporary files, empty
recycle bin, internet junks, photo thumbnails etc. You can as well defragment
your hard drive to make PC function simultaneously.
Bad Audio Output – This
is caused by one of the three problems; Your processor is beyond its capacity
or insufficient memory space (RAM) or the audio is set to PIO (Programmed
Input/Output) mode. If in PIO mode, change to DMA (Direct Memory Access).
Problem with New Software – Some
new software may cause problems after installation due to incompatibility
issues. You are advised to uninstall if that is the case as it might overload
the CPU.
CPU Auditory Signs Problem – It
is abnormal for your PC to make extraordinary sounds while operating. It might
be overworking itself. If the CPU fan runs high speed constantly at normal room
temperature, then the CPU is being overheated. Always use PC in a well
ventilated area.
Perform a Virus Scan –
Virus can pose high threat to your CPU. Make sure you have an antivirus
installed and updated. Set to run regularly and automatically. Download an antivirus for free below.
Safe Mode Option – You
can run your PC on safe mode to see if there is still a software malfunction of
problem.
Damaged
or Missing DLL Files – The DLL (Dynamic Link Library) contains tiny
mini-programs that are, as their name indicates, stored in a
"library" section outside the RAM (random access memory). They save memory space in your RAM,
while they command the EXE (executable program) to execute specific functions.
They perform their duty only when called to do so by your PC, such as functions
in your Control Panel like defragmenting. If you have somehow a damaged or
missing DLL file, the operation of your CPU will be disrupted. When you
troubleshoot as mentioned above, you will receive a message and remedy for this
predicament. It will instruct you how to download a replacement DLL file.
The Blue Screen of Death – When
this suddenly appears on your monitor screen, it is a warning that your PC has
a problem such as a DLL file missing or damaged, malfunctioned hardware,
corrupted software, missing or damaged driver etc. The blue screen is to tell
you identified problem and the code to fix it. Sometimes, all you need do is to
restart when you see the blue screen.
3. CPU
Operating at Maximum Level
If your CPU is suddenly slow and/or
crashing constantly, it may be running at maximum capacity. The CPU first
gathers instructions for processing. The rate of processing these instructions
is in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Each rate of processing is measured
in a standard called hertz (Hz) per second. One MHz is 106, or a
million cycles/second, and GHz is 109, a billion cycles/ second.
This is an overwhelming amount processed constantly each second that must be
synchronized, or "clocked". Your CPU, understandably, has a limited
number of cycles that can be handled each second. Once it hits the threshold of
MHz or GHz, it becomes slow. Ideally, your PC normally operates at about 50
percent. If it hits the maximum, it will have problems.
What can cause the CPU to operate at
a maximum level are as follows:
a. Too many applications running
simultaneously
b. Malfunctioning driver
c. Overheating
d. Virus
e. Insufficient RAM
Your computer is a modern marvel,
but many of us now take our computers for granted. It can be used for a wide
array of tasks, and for many of us we need it as a valuable career tool. Thanks
to computer pioneers and engineers, it is user-friendly. If suddenly the CPU
has a problem, as the "brain" for your Laptop or PC, the entire
operation is affected severely. Licensed computer repair technicians are highly
skilled, and can certainly diagnose and repair (or replace) any problem.
However, to save time and money, first follow the remedying steps above for
various causes. Chances are that you can DIY (Do It Yourself), and have your
computer up and running smoothly shortly.
Related CPU Problems
First of all, if not manufacturing
problems and all of the correct guidelines for installation procedure have been
followed by the manufacturer, then suffice to say CPU related problems are
quite rare. The end results of CPU abnormality will fall under one or two
categories:
a.
Random
failures – This are irregular issues that could come up frequently.
b.
Catastrophic
Failure – These failures are easy to identify since the computer doesn’t
boot up.
How to solve catastrophic CPU Problems
Since the PC doesn’t boot up, it is
very easy to suspect that there is something wrong the CPU and could be solved
by doing any of the following:
Typically, the PC motherboard will
produce a couple of beep sounds when it encounters any error. The user should
jot down or count the frequency, as well as the number of beeps, and then
compare what's on the list with those that are in the motherboard manual. This
must be done to ascertain if there is really an issue in the CPU.
Random CPU Problems
The majority of CPU related problem
symptoms are unpredictable and irregular in nature. This is why an excellent
Problem Log is relevant when it comes to diagnosing the cause of the CPU
problem. The computer user needs to follow the given guidelines, which can be found
in irregular Problems section until he or she is able to ensure that the main
problem is the CPU and not another computer part.
Among
the most usual reasons for the misbehavior of the CPU are:
Power Problems – This can be a problem if the Power
Supply Unit is not giving the CPU sufficient power or it has difficulty in
maintaining a continuous power supply. This can be solved by changing the Power
Supply Unit.
Heat Problems – This becomes a problem when the CPU
is overheating or becoming too hot. It can be solved by blowing dust out of the
CPU heat sink. If it continues to overheat, then install an extra fan to push
air across the computer.
Motherboard Related Problems – This becomes a problem when a
component such as transistors, capacitors, coils etc. on the motherboard is
misbehaving or has been damaged. This can be solved by changing the affected
component or replace motherboard completely.
Best way to care for the CPU
* Detach connectors from the motherboard.
* Carefully find a way to remove the CPU
cooler. There might be screws and plate on the back of the motherboard; so, you
will need to take the whole motherboard out of the desktop.
* When the CPU cooler has been removed,
clean the cooler thoroughly.
* Blow the dust out of the cooler and the motherboard.
* Replace the fans of the cooler with new
ones of the same diameter. Make sure that they use the same power connectors to
avoid installing a fan that will not be powered.
* Clean the CPU with alcohol by using a
tissue or napkin and let the CPU dry a bit.
* Then, apply the thermal paste to the
center of the CPU and distribute it evenly with a plastic card. The surface
must be level and even.
* Reattach the CPU cooler to the CPU and
put the motherboard back. Reattach all connectors.
Download Avast Premier Antivirus for free @ Avast Premier + Crack till 2026
Thanks
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe quality of your articles and contents is great.
ReplyDeleteitechgyan.com
The Community-Driven Education is the best to help us and provide great results. The Project Ownership Where it Belongs is amazing and I like that you shared this post for us to know about these ideas. Also from NCSE-Core Certs Exam questions answers I realize that it is more helpful for us.
ReplyDelete