Many CPU or computer desktop problems can be fixed by simple re-seating and changing of slots. Most motherboards will have 2 to 4 slots for its RAM. Same is true for GPU or video card PCI-e slots. Some problems that can be fixed are like:
- Monitor suddenly does not have any display.
- CPU starts then shuts down or restarts after being used for a short while.
- CPU starts but does not show to boot and monitor does not have any display.
- CPU shows error or BSOD shows or freezes on boot up.
When the above happens, re-seat the RAM card. If you have two RAMS or more in each slot and re-seating does not solve the problem, try taking out each card one at a time, then start the CPU each time until you take out all RAM cards. If it still does not work, insert only one card then start the CPU. Do this for each slot. You should be able to find out now which slots are not recognized by the system causing the defect.
If it is not the RAM cards, re-seat the GPU or video graphics card. If it still does not work, test the graphics card on a different CPU compatible with it. You should be able to tell then if it is the graphics card that is at fault or not.
Lastly, check the heat sink and fan of the processor. Chances are dirt and dust have accumulated causing the processor to overheat. Follow instructions from the manual on how to properly remove the fan and/or heat sink. To clean the assembly, use a soft bristle paint brush to get rid of the dirt. If the processor is exposed as with AMD processors, you should be able to see if silicon paste needs to be added for better cooling.
Take time also to inspect the PSU for dirt accumulation. It will also need to be cleaned gently with a paint brush. Take extra precaution in cleaning as some parts of the PSU still hold some high voltage that could give an unpleasant shock or even a bad burn.
I am currently handling and maintaining 12 desktops and 2 laptops at our internet shop and the above were the frequent problems and solutions.
Processors and heat sink fans will always need to have Silicon paste applied in between them when being installed. After dis-assembly for cleaning, you will find the paste between to have hardened and have breaks, some stay on the processor and others stick to the heat sink. These will have to removed and the surfaces cleaned well with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol.
When Silicon paste is not applied during re-assembly, chances are the computer will turn off on its own in a short while. This is because the processor has heated up and can not be cooled down by the heat sink fan.
In applying Silicon paste, it should be well spread out evenly on the surface of the processor. About a millimeter thin film of the paste should do the work to help the heat sink cool down the processor. While too much paste can drip down the processor and could ruin some of parts of the computer motherboard.
