CPU Unworkable or has changed/Computer gets strokes/computer beeping!

[imac9556]

Hi,

1) How come sometimes I get an error message in POST:
"CPU unworkable or has changed"
Hit F1 to continue or DEL to enter setup

I just hit F1 and everything works fine... How come I'm getting this error message?

2) Now, sometimes my computer just knocks out, power cuts out for no apparent reason. All my other devices are on, monitor and my other computers are still on... When I try to turn on, i see the power light for 1 second then shuts off. It has happned a couple of times, but did not happen yet.

3) And, sometimes the computer makes an alarm sound for no reason. Right before it boots into windows, it makes a beeping sound forever. I checked my BIOS settings and the CPU overheat alarm was set way above the current cpu temp. What is wrong?!?!

4) and:! When I opened up my computer, i took the Intel Bundled heatsink off. The Processor was stuck on the heatsink when I took it off!!! When I pulled the heatsink off, the cpu was stuck on the heatsink!! I pulled it off, scraped off the intel bundled thermal pad and all the junk. Put on arctic silver 3 and put it back together... Did this damage the Processor? I'm getting that CPU error more often than before I noticed. (noted above)

This system is only 1 and half months old... Is the whole system messed up?


My Specs:
2.4ghz 533FSB P4
Abit motherboard IT7-MAX2 ver 2.0
768MB DDR 266
120gb WD SE
ATI 9000 AIW
Ethernet....
350watt Antec SmartBlue PS

Thanks everyone, Paul

[wju425]

Sounds like there's something wrong with the cpu socket. It's normal for the thermal pad to glue the heatsink to the cpu but to have the cpu come off still attached to the heatsink doesn't sound very good. The error messages seems to make sense now. Check for the lever on the cpu socket and see if it's still operatable. It may have been loose.

\o/ Billy

[Tomteriffic]

Couple of things....

1) When you get that "CPU Unworkable" message, the first thing to do is to hit Del and go into your BIOS setup and make sure that the correct CPU parameters are set in there.

2) With an ATI vidcard and a 350 W power supply, you could be running on the ragged edge of insufficient, even with an Antec. I'd see about swapping power supplies, at least for tesing purposes.

And make sure all of your power connectors, both internal and external, are snug. I just had one go wonky on me and it was nothing more than the external power cord that was a smidge loose.

[imac9556]

Thanks everyone for the support! I checked the CPU again in the socket and its in there firmly now. I keep on getting that CPU unworkable message. I checked the settings and they are all correct. (it has an autodetect option/automatic)
About the Power Supply, I don't have any extras to test it. These are the components in the computer:
CD-Burner-
DVD-ROM Drive
ATI 9000 AIW (tv tuner, input/output,etc)
Modem
WD 120GB SE HD
Abit IT7-MAX2 ver.2 mb, -SPDIF, 5.1, ethernet, wireless, 8 usb, 2 firewire, 2 p/s2, -a loaded motherboard, lol

So, my Processor is half brain dead? or is the Power Supply all at fault?
thanks-Paul

[Bruneau]

Could be a flakey bios chip or a bad flash on it. Try a new flash on it.

[chris64]

Originally posted by imac9556

"CPU unworkable or has changed "

Hmm, it could be the CPU, the Powersupply, or if it thinks the CPU has changed it could be a bad CMOS battery that's causing the computer to lose the configuration information but the later scenario is very unlikely because you would have noticed that the date and time are way off.

[Omardeth]

look on he side of the power supply . it should have a list of what each "rail" does in amps . if the 12v is under 13a then that could be the problem . as far as the "CPU unworkable or has changed" message . that means the bois isn't set correct for the cpu . go in and check and make sure it is correct . if it is on auto change it to what it should be .

[Foggy]

You might try clearing your CMOS/BIOS. You can then set your pref back after you see if it works.

[imac9556]

thanks everyone... i'll check the settings and see what happens... i'll post back thanks! -Paul

[samslick]

I'm having the same problem after recently replacing the heatsink on my mobo. I've also tried several of the suggested solutions, but no luck. I've updated my BIOS, cleared my CMOS, doublechecked my settings, nothing. When I press F1, it boots up fine, and works fine - I've run a few stress tests to make sure. So other than the annoying problem of hitting F1 to boot up, everything seems ok. Hope theres a solution.

BTW, here's my setup:
P4 2.6c
Abit IS7 mobo
Zalman 7000 AlCu Heatsink
ATI AIW 9800pro
plus the other various goodies