The CPU is your computer’s central processor. As a result, a broken or dead CPU can render your computer useless. Knowing how to detect a slow CPU helps you avoid further damage.
An unresponsive CPU can cause frozen boot-up screens, no POST (Power-On Self Test), overheating fans, and rapid shutdowns. You can find the source of your computer’s problem by testing the CPU and motherboard for damage. Also, the way your computer starts up.
Sometimes, a dead CPU isn’t the cause of a computer issue. This article will explain how to test for this and tell if your CPU is slow.
Table of Contents
Dead CPU Symptoms
Generally, one of these symptoms indicates a dead CPU. While some of these issues can be caused by other components, your CPU is almost undoubtedly slow if you see multiple symptoms.
Null functionality
Try to start your computer to see if your CPU is dead. If nothing happens and your PSU works, your CPU cannot process even the minimal power required to start your PC.
No Posts
It appears when your CPU runs a Power-On Self Test, which it does every time your computer starts. The test checks your computer’s components to see if they’re all working correctly and to identify any that aren’t.
You can change the visibility and length of the POST screen in your computer’s BIOS settings. Your CPU is probably to blame if your PC still doesn’t boot.
Fans
When a CPU dies, your computer’s fans have no control. So, when you turn on the computer, the fans default to maximum power, which is audible.
Rapid Exit
If your computer shuts down almost immediately after starting, your CPU or power supply may be the Issue. Because the power surge has no regulator, the system shuts down automatically to protect the CPU.
Glitch
Every time you turn on your computer, the screen freezes. Usually, the screen freezes on the loading screen, but it can also happen on the home screen.
Blue Death
When your CPU malfunctions, system-halt errors appear. The “blue-death screen” looks exactly like it sounds.
How to Find the Root Cause
If you notice any of these symptoms on your computer, the next step is to isolate the problem. Even if your CPU is not the source of the problem, at least one component in your laptop is faulty.
Visible Defects
The first thing to look for is a malfunctioning motherboard. If your motherboard has been subjected to an electrostatic discharge, power surge, or even blunt force, the damage is frequently visible to the naked eye.
Electrostatic discharge, or ESD, occurs when static electricity is applied to metal in your computer, resulting in an electrical surge that overloads several of your computer’s components. The same thing happens during a power surge, but this is more often than not the result of a faulty power supply or poor assembly.
Examine your motherboard for scorch marks, particularly around the CPU socket. This is a sure sign of electrical overload, as the metal is heated beyond its electrical rating by the unprecedented electrical currents. This results in scorching and a reduction in functionality.
Sound
Most medium-to-high-quality motherboards include a beep code speaker, which emits beeps when components fail. When you power on your computer, could you pay attention to the sounds it makes?
When testing your motherboard without a CPU and performing the POST procedure, you may hear one beep, two beeps, or none at all. A single beep indicates a memory problem, while two beeps indicate a motherboard problem.
If there are no beeps and the screen does not turn on when the CPU is connected, there is almost certainly a problem with the CPU.
If your motherboard does not include a beep code speaker, you can purchase one separately for this test. When that is not possible, you can also listen to the sounds your computer makes.
If the fans are working excessively hard or hearing nothing at all, there is almost certainly an issue with the system.
Process of Partial Elimination
Disconnect everything from your motherboard except the power supply, CPU, heatsink, power switch, and case speaker to narrow down the faulty component. After that, turn on your computer and listen.
If the beeps are prolonged, all components are functioning correctly. The beeps indicate that your motherboard does not have any memory attached.
If there are no beeps, you either have a faulty CPU, power supply, or motherboard. If this is the case and you are experiencing several of the symptoms listed above, your CPU is no longer functional and should be replaced.
Connect to a separate PC
One surefire way to determine whether your CPU is the source of the problem is to connect to a compatible, fully functional PC. To accomplish this, you must first ensure that the computer can support the CPU and that the computer you are testing is generally operating with its current CPU.
Remove the CPU from your current computer and replace it with the CPU in your test computer. Attempt to power on the test computer. If everything is functioning normally, the Issue is not with your CPU but with something else.
If the computer is not operating correctly and you are experiencing the same symptoms as your current PC, the problem is most likely with the CPU.
Additionally, use safe practices when transferring your CPU to avoid further damage.
What Should I Do if My CPU Stops Working?
At the risk of sounding like Captain Obvious, I recommend that you replace the CPU. Repairing a CPU is well beyond the capabilities of the average gamer, and CPUs were not designed to be fried and fixed in the first place.
Additionally, you can begin by contacting the CPU’s manufacturer and explaining the Issue. Occasionally, the CPU is not entirely dead, but there is still a problem. Additionally, if the failure of your processor is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, replacing it becomes less of a hassle.
What if the Issue Wasn’t With My CPU?
If you run these tests and discover that your CPU is operating normally, you’ll need to conduct a further diagnosis on your system or contact your motherboard manufacturer.
By contacting the motherboard manufacturer, you can explain the beeps you heard while testing the CPU, and they can assist you in determining what the beeps mean.
From there, resolving the Issue becomes significantly more accessible, and having a professional guide you through the process mitigates any potential damage caused by the investigation.
(FAQs) How to Tell if Cpu is Dead
Is it possible for a CPU to die of old age?
In general, no. CPUs can develop worn-out circuits over time as a result of electron migration. However, this process is lengthy and occurs only on low-quality CPUs.
If your CPU suddenly shuts down, even in an older computer, it’s most likely due to an electrical event or extreme conditions such as excessive heat or dust accumulation.
What Causes the Death of a CPU?
Overheating or electrostatic discharge are the most common causes of CPU death, as both can destroy a CPU. Overheating takes time, whereas electrostatic discharge kills your processor instantly.
Other factors, such as knocking your PC tower over or applying blunt force to your computer, can cause the CPU to fail. This is the least common type of failure and typically results in the CPU becoming dislodged rather than dying.
However, dislodging can result in bent pins, which is entirely different.
How do I Resurrect a Doomed CPU?
You cannot unless you are an android hiding from Blade Runners. You can attempt to run the CPU with fewer cores, but if a critical CPU component is broken, there is no way to fix it. The prudent course of action is to contact the manufacturer and verify that the manufacturer’s warranty still covers the CPU.
Final Opinion
In summary, if your computer is having difficulty booting and remaining on, displaying frozen screens, or overheating, your CPU is very likely dead or damaged.
To determine this, listen to the sounds your motherboard makes during boot-up or perform individual component tests to narrow down the problem.
Read More: Should I Connect My Monitor To The Graphics Card Or Motherboard: Illustrated Guide
Read More: Do I Need To Upgrade My Motherboard: Every Computer User Should Know It
Arun is a self-published author and blogger with a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise on Tech with people who are looking to find the perfect content for their needs. He tries to furnish you with genuine content about gadgets & tech that can assist you with deciding whether a gadget is appropriate according to your requirements or not.
