Possible overheating problem

[Datun Walnut]

Hi Guys,

I've just joined and hope I can contribute a lot but in the meantime I have a problem:

 

Background

I've been asked to repair a XP laptop that keeps shutting down.

From cold it will get to the desktop before closing itself down. after that it never gets as far as windows before crashing.

I opened it up and found that the fan is not turning - though it is free to turn. the heatsink fins where fluffed up and the heatsink seemed to be loose on the CPU. I've cleaned, re-pasted and reseated the heatsink and am now awaiting the delivery of a new fan. (though frankly I've no idea if the fan is faulty or the mobo powering it).

 

The problem is that the graphics is very weird. when booting, the xp logo on the black background goes green and sometimes is completely unreadable.

Do you think the mobo has been cooked to death? I've tried keeping the cpu cool with spray but it makes no difference.

 

The Laptop is a Clevo style note. (I know, I'd never heard of them either) and therefore would be a write off as I can't source a new mobo.

 

Regards

 

DW

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

If it gets to the desktop when cold - then afterwards shuts down sooner it does sound like overheating.

 

Your loose heatsink wouldn't help - but that, presumably, has been rectified.

 

The graphics problem is a cause for concern as most m/boards have the graphics in-built.

If you have a separate card you are lucky.

 

Fitting the new fan should solve the over-heating problem but I fear that you still have a problem with the motherboard.