Processor not in a good way.

shrimperman · Aug 24, 2009

Ladies and gentleman,

Another computer query for you. My processor is completely smashed. It won't run Itunes, just about manages Word and every time I load a video from the net, it crashes. The standard procedure is to heat up considerably, the fan will run faster and faster to a point at which the thing just cuts out and the whole computer turns off.

I'm almost 100% sure this is all related to the processor. Now, the laptop cost me a fair bit a few years ago, like around the £1000 mark. My question is, how much would cost to replace the processor with a top of the range model? Would this be worthwhile or should I just give up and by something new?

As always, your help will be gratefully received. And you can have some green stuff.

UTB

SUFC_Al · Aug 24, 2009

It depends on what processors your motherboard can take, if you have the documentation or at least know what your motherboard is you can find out what processors the motherboard can handle. If it's a fair few years old then i suspect that some newer processors might not fit in to it.

Replacing laptop parts is also a fiddly job, so I'd suggest getting a new one altogether.

Dave of the Match · Aug 24, 2009

I'd recommend getting a whole new computer - you can buy them really cheap these days.

Also, wait for the release of Windows 7 - its so much faster than Vista so it'll be worth the wait.

shrimperman · Aug 30, 2009

Thanks for your help gents.

As a supplementary, I was quite interested in iMacs but slightly concerned by the cost. In your humble opinions, do you think they are value for money, or just an over-inflated price from good marketing and advertising?

Dave of the Match · Aug 30, 2009

shrimperman said:
Thanks for your help gents.

As a supplementary, I was quite interested in iMacs but slightly concerned by the cost. In your humble opinions, do you think they are value for money, or just an over-inflated price from good marketing and advertising?

Anything with an Apple logo on it makes it cost 10 times as much as it should do... :stunned:
They're great computers just way over-priced.

Bielzibubz · Aug 30, 2009

Shrimperman. before you do anything rash like buying a new lappy have a go at this. Boot your computer from cold. Once fully booted and with your normal start up procedure in place press 'Control > ALT > DEL which will bring up the Widows Task Manager. Click on 'Processes' and see what is taking up processing power in the background, if anything. Should be just 'System Idle Process'. Now, with that window still on screen open up MS Word, keeping the task manager on top, and see what if anything is eating up the available power. Once word is booted it should revert to about 5% of usage and System Idle should be the only one running. With yours however there may be numerous things running that shouldn't or don't have to. If your system is sluggish at this point try ending whichever is using most (not Word) to eliminate the culprit.

You can also try this. Start > Run > type in MSCONFIG and hit 'Enter. In the box that appears click on 'Start Up' (far right tab) and de-select anything that you don't need on boot up (at least 50% of normal boot up apps aren't required) that may be causing your system to have a fit. Click ok and reboot and see if you notice any difference.

Hope this helps fella.

Phil