"Doc" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Doc" wrote in message
ink.net...
Hitchy Compaq Deskpro PIII, is there a way to definitively test the CPU
to
see if it could be the culprit?


'Hitchy' is a pretty vague symptom. If you could clarify the problem you're
having, you'll get better feedback.

There isn't a practical way to test the processor outside of the PC. There
also isn't a practical way to test the processor in a PC that is
troublesome. The most widely used diagnostic procedure in a case where a
faulty processor is suspected is to simply swap in a known good processor or
swap the suspect processor into a known good system. Either process
involves having additional hardware on hand to do the test. I suppose if
you have an advanced understanding of processor architecture, you could
scope test the pins during a failure condition. But the $1 / hr labor rate
rule applies here. How much does a P III processor cost?

Most processors operate erratically due to cooling problems - loose or
inoperational heat sink / fan assemblies. Most intermittently dead PCs are
caused by motherboard problems. Almost all problems associated with poor
performance / degraded performance are related to software.

Of course - any peripheral that is running off the system is a potential
failure that can drag the whole thing down with it - intermittently OR
consistently. That's why you'll always see reccomendations to remove ALL
equipment except the motherboard, the processor, 1 stick of memory, the
power supply, and the video card. NOTHING else is required for the machine
to POST. If it doesn't POST at that point, you've narrowed the field of
possibilities greatly and can swap out parts in that small group. If it
does POST, adding components back into the mix one at a time is a good way
to test for re-appearance of the failure.

Also - FWIW - In 10 + years of building / repairing / maintaining PCs, I've
only seen two bad processors. Both were AMDs Athlons pulled off severely
blown mainboards. I'd bet a bottle of Jack that the problem is NOT a bad
PIII processor if the mainboard board is still running.