How To Tell If Your CPU Is Dead? ThePCstuff Tips and Guide

How To Tell If Your CPU Is Dead?

Do you find your computer not turning on even after trying for what seems like the hundredth time? However, did your PC turn on for the first time, for like a few seconds before shutting down completely? Then there’s a chance that your CPU is dead. However, there’s no guarantee that it is, in fact, your CPU that has died. So if you are asking- how to tell if your CPU is dead? Then you have come to the right place.

Common Symptoms Of CPU Failure

Before I tell you how you can find out if your PC’s CPU is dead, you need to know the most common symptoms of CPU failure. Below mentioned are some of the most common symptoms that indicate that your CPU is dead:

Your PC will turn on, but you won’t hear any beeps, and neither will the screen startup.
The PC might turn on, but there won’t be any POST (Power-On Self Test). Also, you might find that your fans are all running at high speeds. Another indication might be the fact that your OS might not load at all.
The most common symptom is that your computer might power on. However, it will turn off soon after that. By soon, we mean that it will switch off almost immediately.
In any OS, the screen might freeze after it is on for some time. Sometimes it’s also noticed that the screen freezes when the loading screen comes on. For example, the screen will freeze when the Windows screen logo shows up.
You will have system-halt error messages that will indicate that something’s wrong with the processor. This is more commonly known as the blue-death screen.

How To Determine That It Is Your CPU That Has Died And Not Any Other Part?

This is the biggest question that everyone faces, but there are ways you can check to determine that it indeed is your CPU that has failed. Here I will tell you about those methods. So let us begin:

Sounds: Before opening any parts, you need to hear what your computer is trying to tell you. So you need to listen to sounds that the computer makes right after you switch it on. Know that the motherboard does give out signals in the form of beeps and noises in various patterns. All these indicate that there’s something wrong with the PC and that it’s most probably the CPU.
Disconnect it fully: Disconnect everything (parts and such) from your motherboard except the CPU, PSU, case speaker, power switch, and heatsink. Now switch on the system. If you hear long beeps, then it will indicate that these parts are all working properly. Those beeps indicate that you don’t have memory. But if you don’t hear anything, then that’s bad news. It means that you have either a bad motherboard, PSU, or CPU.
Another PC: If you want to determine that your CPU is indeed your CPU that has failed, you need to connect your processor to another computer. Now note that this computer should be compatible with your CPU and should have functioning internal hardware. However, not everyone has a test computer just lying around to be used. So here’s what you need to do to confirm that your CPU has died.

CPU Failure Determination: Steps To Follow To Know About It

First, switch off your PC before switching it on again. Now, look out for error messages or beeps. If you hear beeps, then count how many times you hear those and what kind of beeps you hear. After all, you will find that some beeps are short while others are long and draw out. No matter what you hear or see, please write it down.
Now contact the motherboard or computer’s support service. They will be able to tell you what those error messages or beeps indicate. Now according to that, you will have to carry out the needed troubleshooting or diagnostics.
But if that doesn’t solve the issue, you need to disconnect your computer’s power cord. Now slowly remove your computer’s heatsink. After that, you need to unclip your processor carefully. You will find it on the motherboard.
Now look for signs of damage like burning. If you find such marks, then know that it indicates that your processor is dead. But often, people are unable to determine with full surety that the processor has indeed been damaged. You need to look inside the PC and find out if other parts have been damaged in such cases.
So check the power cables present inside your PC and ensure that all the parts/components are securely attached. Also, unclip your memory before clipping it securely in its place again. After this, carefully put the heatsink and processor back on the system.
If your PC doesn’t turn on after this, your CPU has failed, and you need to look for ways to repair or replace it.

Following these steps will let you know if you have a dead CPU or not. If you indeed determine that you have a failed CPU, you need to look for CPU replacements. But if you aren’t sure what parts you might need, you should contact a computer repair person. It’s advised that you contact a professional if you don’t know what to do to bring your PC back to life. This will reduce a lot of hassle later on.

About the Author Michael E. Yates

Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!