Dead CPU?

[Garee]

I posted a week or two ago about how my pc is failing to boot up at all and the fans start up for a couple of seconds before losing all power.

I replaced my PSU with a Corsair 400w and the same issue still occurs!

I am now sadly thinking it must be my CPU because when I remove the CPU power cable the system fans start up immediately and it sounds like it is starting up properly.

Another thing I have noticed is that there is no beep from the mobo so it could also be that. Either way this is going to be expensive

Any help is much appreciated.

Specs:

Q6600 @ Stock
Denver 10 Micro ATX mobo socket 775
4GB DDR2 RAM
Corsair 400w PSU


Not the best but it has served me well over the past 2 years and majorly needs an upgrade.

 

[Garee]

Is there any way I can find out which one is causing the problem? I don't to purchase the wrong component.

I'm afraid a new build is out of my budget completely.

 

[Garee]

There is no beep Looks like it's the mobo..

Would I be better getting another socket 775 mobo or buying new cpu/mobo/ram for future proofing? I only have around £300 to spend.

 

[Garee]

If I purchased a new mobo - Would I need to also buy a new OS?

My current OS is Vista 32bit however I think it's OEM as the system was originally pre-built by dell/packard bell.

 

[Garee]

Most probably, I have heard of some success stories where people call microsoft up and get a new key due to faulty motherboard / changing motherboard. But since this is has been supplied by packard dell the probably won't do it, anyway windows 7 is much better would be a good time to go down that route?

Out of interest is your current motherboard dell/packard? If so you will see massive gains with mobo features if you get a new / second hand decent one.

Another thing to keep in mind is if you are still using the dell/packard case if so some of the mountings are different I think.

Yes the whole PC was a pre-built dell. Looks like i'll have to save up for a proper upgrade.

 

[Garee]

If a PC is out of warranty the chances of getting a new mobo/serial number from the manufacturers are pretty slim... Or they'd charge you a ridiculous amount for it.

If £300 is what you've got to spend I'd suggest this:

New mobo: Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L or similar (~£40)
Titan TTC-NK85TZ/V2 Fenrir CPU Cooler (£30, compatible with other sockets so you can keep it for your next upgrades).
Coolermaster Elite 335 Case (£30, cheap but decent case, will fit a full ATX motherboard too).
Windows 7 Retail (£95, retail so you can reinstall when you upgrade your system again).

Total cost <£200 and it should be a massive improvement to your system. Only new part there which you might not keep that long is the motherboard but if you can get a nice 3GHz+ overclock with that mobo it should last you a couple of years at least.

Thanks for the help.

My current 4GB DDR2 is only 533Mhz and the specifications for the motherboard you suggested ( which looks great for the price btw ) only mentions it is compatible with 667/800+. Will my RAM work okay or will I have to purchase that aswell?