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Replaced CPU, now computer won't boot

mjw25i

mjw25i

mjw25i

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Joined
17 Nov 2009
Posts
11
Hi everyone!

I have just decided to upgrade my CPU from a Pentium 4 3.06Ghz to a Pentium D E5400, not much of an upgrade I know but its all my current motherboard will support, and I really wanted a dual core!

Anyway I've installed it and put an Arctic Freezer 7 Pro on for good measure, but now my computer won't start. The power supply fan and Freezer 7 Pro fan both come on, but nothing else. The light on the power switch stays red whereas before it just went blue and started, also the hard drive light is constantly on.

I reinstalled the Pentium 4 and the computer started up as normal, so don't think I've damaged anything, wondering whether the Pentium D chip might be faulty?

My Mobo is this: http://support.packardbell.com/uk/item/index.php?i=spec_motherboard_RC410-M&ppn=PB49303801

Says it supports Pentium D's so don't think that's the problem!

Any help would be much appreciated, I'm kinda in the dark here!

Cheers in advance
 
Which CPU have you installed, its it a Pentium D or Pentium Dual Core? They are two totally different CPUs....

Your PC / Motherboard supports Pentium D's which were basically 2x P4s on one die, Pentium Dual Cores are C2D Based and will not work with your board.
 
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Hmm think the E5400 is Pentium dual core rather than a Pentium D...

So what's the best Pentium D processor I could get then? And would it be a worthwhile upgrade to the Pentium 4 I already have?
 
Yeah, sounds like that CPU is not compatible.

If you're on a budget, gigabyte boards are awesomely reliable for the price. This would be fine, or get a P43 based board for some better overclocking if you want. I'm guessing you wont want to O/C if you've just come from a P4 though!

Lord knows that board would be a million times better than what you have now.
 
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The E5400 is a Core 2 based chip therefore won't work in your mainboard. Pentium D came in various speeds from 2.8GHz to 3.6GHz, but they're long out of mainstream production. Most common find will likely be the 940 at 3.2GHz.

They chomp through power like no tomorrow (usually 130W just for the CPU) and therefore run very hot, so make sure the PSU is up to the task.

I'd probably just replace the entire PC. Trying to upgrade an old Packard Hell isn't worth the grief when you can get a decent barebones PC for well under £200.

Change the PC/mainboard and you'll need to buy a new copy of Windows. The OEM version that came with the PB is licensed to only that motherboard.
 
Actually, now MagicBoy brought windows up he's probably right. Start from scratch. Guys on here could spec you up a machine that would poo all over your upgraded PB for not a lot of wonga.
 
Barebones system for under £200?

Ok, well I've got a 9600GT GFX, 2 hard drives, the intel pentium e5400, 4gb (2x 2gb) of 266.5mhz ddr2 RAM, dvd drive, 500w psu, screen, mouse, keyboard and speakers already...

So guess I need a new case, new mobo, operating system? Then I can transplant the rest from my current PC? Not looking to spend huge amounts, so what would you guys suggest? That mobo looked good alexhull, maybe base it around that?
 
Motherboard £37

Case £16.99

Operating System £79.99

Total is £133.98

Motherboard should be fine, though price will go up on tuesday night/wed morning.

Case is not to my taste, but represents fantastic value for money for what you get, and would be just fine for your system.

Operating system is the killer really, that's where most of the cost comes from. If you're student with a .ac.uk email address, you could get Windows 7 Hp or Pro upgrades for just £30 though.

Not sure what PSU you have, hope it's up to the job though. Depends on the quality, but the only reason it won't be is if it was bargain bin stuff.
 
So you'd recommend Windows 7 then? Haven't really kept up with its progress but sounds like its everything Vista should have been?! And its OK for a gaming rig?

PSU is a Casecom ATX 500W, not the greatest thing in the world but it's solid and has served me well, so no complaints!

Also never got a case on its own before, does it come with cages inside for hard drives and dvd drives etc. or would I have to transplant that from my current PC too?

Really appreciate all your help :)
 
Windows 7 is great in my experience. You'd also be able to run the 64-bit version with that CPU, which I highly recommend, as there is a much higher RAM limit, and it's generally more stable in my experience, along with some security improvements. It's perfect for a gaming rig, not much difference in performance from XP or Vista. About the same as XP really, Vista was a bit slower.

PSU should probably be fine, but if you get symptoms like bluescreens, and particularly freezing, that could be the problem. 500W is probably double what that system would need in reality, but few cheap PSUs can reach their max output reliably, and they degrade faster over time.

The case will come with everything you need. It only has one 80mm fan, but this case can be fitted with two 120mm if cooling needs improving. See how you go though, it's not an expensive or difficult upgrade in the future. Have a look here for more detail on it.
 
I also recommend moving to a new motherboard and Windows 7 64bit such as mentioned above.

It may be worth upgrading the ram and PSU later too?
Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C5 would suit the CPU well for overclocking, and eithe a BeQuiet or Corsair PSU may be worhwhile quieter and more stable for your system and future plans. (7 year guarantee with Corsair)
 
Is it still possible to "trial" Windows 7 for a year or something? If so, you could save yourself £80 and then buy it at a later date if you're struggling for cash.
 
Suggestion above looks good. Existing PSU should be fine as long it's got a 24 pin main connector.

.Sean said:
Is it still possible to "trial" Windows 7 for a year or something? If so, you could save yourself £80 and then buy it at a later date if you're struggling for cash.
Click to expand...

No. Don't even think about it.

That was the Beta, and it times out in March IIRC. The full version requires activation within 30 days. If you buy W7 it now it's discounted. Prices will rise in the new year.
 
Cheers everyone, you've been really helpful!

Reckon I'll go with a new mobo case and windows 7 for now... see how the PSU holds out and maybe upgrade that at some point in the future!
 
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