As we all know, the CPU is practically the brain of our computer. Thus, a dead CPU significantly implies a slow computer. Generally, a CPU does not fail very often. Though a rare incident, the only way to fix it is a replacement.
But identifying the problem seems to be tricky because there can be multiple reasons behind a slow-running computer. So, how to tell if your CPU is dead?
In this guide, we will explain to you the probable reasons behind a dead CPU and how to tell it by quick checking.
Why Does Your CPU Fail?
If you’re wondering how to tell if your CPU cooler motor is dead, then it can be a tricky question. Several reasons such as negligence, high temperatures, misuse, and incorrect power load, are highly responsible for the permanent damage to the CPU motor.
Age
With the increasing time, it is evident that the CPU grows weaker. It is likely to fail suddenly after continuous wear and tear for years. They may run out of lubricants, and the ongoing friction might damage the CPU completely.
Overheating
As we all know, how to tell if your CPU radiator is dead isn’t easy. But overheating is effectively harmful to your CPU. It might cause severe and even permanent damage to your CPU. In this context, you must always possess an excellent cooling system.
Operating the computer in an air-conditioned room is always preferable. Any temperature below 80 degrees is suitable for the CPU.
We would never suggest you keep the CPU on the floor. This blocks the airflow. Furthermore, if you have placed the CPU on a carpet, then dirt is more likely to enter the device and cause permanent choking of the fans.
Overclocking
To our unknown, we are reducing the CPU’s lifespan every time we choose to overclock. Overclocking causes permanent damage if you do not have a proper cooling system.
Overvoltage is a necessity for overclocking. It supplies power for the additional speed thus lowering the lifespan of the CPU.
Electric power surge
An electric power surge is harmful to the CPU, the hike in electric current is responsible for the damage of your PSU’s and CPU’s mechanisms.
A power outage or a power line strike caused by thunder and lightning, are common reasons leading to an electric power surge.
Unstable voltage
Nevertheless, an unstable voltage is equally dangerous and causes permanent damage to the CPU.
Experienced PC builders will always recommend you to use an expensive and branded PSU to prevent damage.
A cheap PSU will destroy the other components of your device permanently by producing an electric power surge.
Bad motherboard
It is the motherboard, which ensures its smooth functioning. It operates the voltage and the current running through your device. Generally, Motherboards last very long, but you never know when the problem may happen, and it causes this issue.
In case, there is a failure in your motherboard, the CPU will fall apart. So, get your motherboard checked first.
How to Tell If Your CPU is Dead Quickly?
You will know how to tell if your CPU is dead with a quick check. Scroll down below, and give it a read.
Test on another computer
The best way to know if your CPU is dead is to test it on another computer. It primarily assures if something is wrong with your CPU or not.
The computer will shut down automatically
We know how frustrating it can be when your computer shuts down mid-way. However, it might be one of the possible signs of a poor performing CPU.
We would suggest you diagnose the issue promptly to make sure which part of the CPU is malfunctioning. With time, the severity might increase.
Issues in system bootup
When we turn on the computer, the primary thing we would notice is the BIOS POST (Power-On-Self-Test). It specifies if anything is wrong with our system. If there are no issues during POST, the device must boot as usual.
But, the device will not boot if issues are inspected. You shall notice an error message on the screen. It might be a sign of a faulty CPU.
Yet POST is not always able to detect all the faults of our computer. Your device may freeze all of a sudden and then automatically reboot.
The computer will not turn on
To answer your question, how to tell if your CPU is dead, it may happen that the computer is not turning on despite pressing the power button. The fans shall spin for a bit of a second and then stop all of a sudden.
System freezes all of a sudden
The freezing of the device is highly annoying and is a common sign of a dead CPU. It can occur randomly during bootup as well as in an idle state. Under heavy use, the mouse cursor stops moving due to freezing.
BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
Blue Screen of Death or BSOD is an error seen in Microsoft Windows that appears when our operating system is not working normally. Various reasons might lead to BSOD, and a dead CPU is one of them.
When BSOD occurs, a blue screen appears on your device along with the error code that implies whether your CPU needs a troubleshoot or not.
Beep codes
Are you aware of Morse codes? It is a method that we used for telecommunication in ancient days – a series of long or short beeps.
In the same way, motherboards can also produce beep codes. Each series implies a significant fault in the device. Finally, you can conclude that five beeps or more refer to a CPU downfall.
Check the motherboard
The most familiar way of how to tell if your CPU is dead is by checking the motherboard. When you are sure that your CPU has stopped working due to overheating, then get physical evidence to support it.
At high temperatures, the motherboard, as well as the CPU, might malfunction. Consequently, it leads your CPU to die.
Examine the CPU fan
The CPU fan can indicate the occurrence of a dying CPU. The fans will continue to spin for a while and then gradually stop. Despite the spinning of the fan, your computer will not start. Thus, it implies that your CPU is on the verge of dying. And, at times CPU Fan error starts happening on Boot as well.
Take the CPU outside and check
Take the CPU out in the light and check for burns or broken pins, or any cracks visible on the CPU. If there are any major cracks or burns, then the CPU might be malfunctioning.
So, now as you are aware of all the causes and techniques, you know how to tell if your CPU is dead. Yet, if you are confused, we always suggest you consult a proper technician.
