What Happens to a CPU When the Fan Dies?

A CPU's operating temperature will rise if the cooling fan breaks, dramatically increasing the chance of
hardware failure. Stock modern computer CPUs use a two-part CPU cooler that features a heatsink
directly connected to the CPU and a fan that cools the heatsink. The fan's role is secondary, but it is of
vital importance in preventing the CPU from overheating: the heatsink will not dissipate heat fast
enough to prevent damage to the CPU without an operational fan.

Overheat

CPUs with dead fans will overheat. Computers usually have built-in safe guards to shut down or
slow down the CPU when it gets too hot to prevent it from breaking. However, if the computer's
safeguards fail or don't kick in fast enough the CPU can get above its maximum operating
temperature and literally burn out. The CPU can get so hot it will ignite, destroying itself beyond
repair. A fried CPU can also take down the motherboard and other connected components with it
when it goes. The CPU will break if the computer is continually used with a dead CPU cooler
fan.

When the Fan Dies

If the CPU fan fails, shut down the computer immediately to prevent hardware damage. Running
a normal system shut down may not be fast enough: in this instance it can be safer to shut down
via holding the power button or pulling the plug. Hard shutdowns run the risk of damaging data,
but leaving the system on even just a little longer to shut down via normal methods runs a high
risk of destroying the computer.

Intel and AMD Defense Mechanisms

Intel and AMD CPUs will produce error messages and try to shut down if the CPU fain fails.
Intel CPUs will drop the CPU's clock speed to prevent it from going above its operating
temperature range. These CPU defense mechanisms are designed to prevent the computer from
breaking in the event of CPU cooling failure. If you turn the computer back on, it will display an
error message and cut power in a few seconds to prevent CPU damage. Repeatedly trying to
power on the system again can damage the CPU as the CPU can get above its maximum
operating temperature in seconds without sufficient cooling.

Replace

A dead CPU cooling fan should be replaced immediately after failure and the computer should
not be used again until a functional cooling unit is installed. It's typical to replace the entire
cooling unit when the fan fails. Additionally, the thermal cooling compound that bridges the
physical connection between the heat sink and the CPU needs to be replaced when installing a
new cooling unit. You can install the new unit yourself or bring it to a professional: incorrect
cooling unit installation can also break the CPU. A CPU that's powered on without cooling or
poorly installed cooling can ignite in seconds.

What Causes a Computer Cooling Fan to

Run Continuously?
Just turning on a computer is enough to get the fan to run continuously. Computer fans constantly run
during normal use to cool computer components and prevent overheating. Many computers produce
operational temperatures in the hardware-damaging range during normal use and require continuously
running fans to not only prevent overheating, but perform optimally. Additionally, computer cooling
fans help combat the room's ambient temperature, which, if high enough, can contribute to overheating
the system.

Fans Prevent Overheating

As technology has improved, the materials that make up computer components have been pushed
to operational capacity and can produce enough heat to break. The cooling fan circumvents the
self-destructive heat build-up by expelling warm air from the system and allowing the
components to operate at lower temperatures and reduce failure risk. For example, a computer
processor may have a safe operational range of up to 60 degrees Celsius, but if left without any
form of cooling, it will continue to produce enough heat to break into the 100 degree Celsius
range. This will cause the processor to burn itself out.

Overheating Warning Signs

Unless you're running temperature monitoring software on the computer, the computer fans
running in what's often referred to as "jet engine mode" is the first sign that your computer is
overheating. Computer cooling fans do not run at full-blast at all times during normal use;
instead, the fans spin just fast enough to keep the computer running in the safe temperature
range. The computer may have a cooling issue if you notice a clear audible increase in fan noise.
If the air is cool, but still coming out at full-blast, there may be a system configuration problem.

CPU and Component Fans

With the exception of cellular phones and tablets, modern computer CPUs are usually equipped
with a heat sink and cooling fan combo unit that is necessary for the chip to operate. The cooling
system lets the CPU run at faster speeds by removing as much heat from the CPU as possible;
similar to how a radiator cools an automobile engine. The CPU could be clocked at a lower
speed to reduce heat, but that would hurt performance. Other computer components, like the
video card and motherboard chipset, may also feature cooling fans for the same reasons as the
CPU.
Case Ventilation Fans

Case ventilation fans are intended to expel hot air from a desktop system to lower the ambient
temperature inside of the computer case. Any computer component can break if it's exposed to
enough heat. The internal case temperature sets a baseline temperature for all components, which
causes everything inside the case to run hotter as the temperature increases. Case fans work in
tandem with component fans by expelling the hot air produced by the components and bringing
in new, cool air from outside of the case.

Signs of a Bad Power Source on a Computer

One of a computer's most important components is its power supply. The power supply is a box inside
the case that takes standard 120-volt power and converts it to many different types of power and feeds
it to all of the computer's internal components, from the motherboard to the hard drive. When a power
supply starts to go bad, it can manifest itself in many different ways. These include random reboots,
component failures and strange noises and odors.

Intermittent Crashes

While many different things can make your computer crash, a bad power supply is one of them.
A good way to see if your power supply is causing the problem is to pay attention to when your
computer crashes. Typically, power supply problems manifest themselves under load, so if your
computer crashes when it needs more power, there's a good chance that your power supply is the
culprit. Things that generate high load include hard or optical drives starting back up after being
shut down for a while and processor-intensive tasks, like loading a game with a detailed
introductory sequence or starting to render effects on a video that you're editing. But random
reboots and lockups are also signs of a bad power supply.

Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your computer, it could be your power supply. Listen
carefully to the back of your system to see where the noises are coming from. If they're coming
from near where the power cord plugs in, it's probably the power supply. The strange noises
could be anything including a louder or quieter fan, humming or even whining. If your internal
hard drive is making a clicking sound, it could also mean that you're having a power supply
problem, although it can also indicate that your drive is about to fail. On the other hand, if your
computer is unusually quiet, it could mean that your power supply is not providing electricity to
the cooling fans. This is a serious concern as overheating could lead to hardware damage.

Strange Odors or Smoke

If smoke is coming out of your computer's power supply, it definitely needs replacement.
Immediately unplug it from the wall to avoid the risk of fire. Another clue that your power
supply is on the verge of failing is if it emits strange smells. Anything that smells like chemicals
or like something burning, even if there's no smoke, is an indication that something is wrong
with your power supply, in which case unplug it and don't use the computer until it gets repaired.

Dead Computer

The most obvious sign of a faulty power supply is when your computer won't even turn on. Even
if everything else on your computer is broken, if your power supply is operational its fan should
turn and you'll still see a power LED light up near the power supply or on the front of the case. If
your computer isn't powering up and you have confirmed that it's properly plugged into a
working outlet, have a professional replace your power supply

How to Decrease a Motherboard's

Temperature
When your computer performs tasks, it sends data between various components, such as the processor,
memory, hard drive and video card. All of this data travels through your computer's primary circuit
board, known as the motherboard, and excess motherboard heat can cause your computer to become
unstable and fail in unpredictable ways. If a computer at your business is unstable and you have
eliminated other common causes such as viruses, improve the computer's airflow to decrease the
temperature of the motherboard.

1.

Run the computer with the case open and check the fans to confirm they are operating normally
and aimed in the correct direction. A computer generally has at least two fans: one in the front to
draw cool air in, and another inside the power supply to force hot air out. If a fan no longer
operates, replace it; this may require replacing the power supply if its internal fan has stopped
working.

2.

Clean all of the computer's fans. Built-up dust increases air friction, reducing a fan's speed and
lowering its efficiency. Do not attempt to clean the fan in the power supply, however, as this can
be dangerous. If a significant amount of dust has collected inside the power supply, replace it.

3.

Move the computer to a non-carpeted surface if it has a cooling fan on the underside. Carpets
prevent bottom-mounted fans from drawing in enough air to keep the motherboard cool.

4.

Install additional fans if the current ones are operating properly but are unable to cool the
motherboard sufficiently. Install an equal number of intake and exhaust fans for the best airflow.
5.

Replace the heat sink on the computer's northbridge chip with a fan. The northbridge facilitates
communication between the computer's fastest components -- the CPU, memory and video card -
- and generates significant heat in the process. A fan can greatly reduce the temperature of this
chip.

6.

Replace the computer's components with more efficient ones. For example, solid-state drives
generate far less heat than conventional hard drives, which contain motors that operate at
thousands of revolutions per minute.

How to Fix a Loud Computer Fan

Computers need to maintain a constant, relatively cool temperature to operate properly, and they
moderate their temperatures with the use of a number of fans to draw in cool air and blow out hot air.
Fans can become clogged with dust or other debris and run louder than usual, especially in business
environments where computers are on a work floor or other areas with more dirt. A loud fan that
causes disruption in your office can often be fixed by cleaning out the computer and making sure
nothing is touching the blades of the fan

1.

Shut down your computer and make sure the fans and all internal parts have stopped moving.
You may need to physically move your computer, so make sure everything has stopped moving,
such as your fans and hard drive, before you proceed.

2.

Remove the side panel of your computer tower with your screwdriver and examine the fans to
make sure there are no wires or anything else touching the fan blades. You can test this by
moving the fan with your finger to see if anything is interfering with its movement. Even if there
is nothing touching it, make sure the area around the fan is clear so that air flow is not restricted
in any way. If you have a number of loose cables, zip ties are useful for keeping them together
and out of the way.

3.

Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the computer and off the fan blades. When dust
coats the fan blades, it takes more effort for it to spin, causing it to run louder and perform less
efficiently. Blow dust from the fans on your graphics card and power supply.
4.

When you have adequately removed all the dirt and debris, secure the side panel in place with its
screws.

5.

Powers the computer on to make sure the fans is operating correctly and without noise.

Things Needed

• Screwdriver (type depends on computer)

• Can of compressed air

Tip

• If you have access to an air compressor, it is far more effective and quick than a can of
compressed air. If you can use one of these to clean out your computer, they do a more
thorough and fast job of removing dust from everywhere inside your computer tower.

Warning

• If any of your fans are broken, stop using your computer right away until the fans can be
replaced. A broken fan can cause the temperature inside your computer to rise drastically,
potentially causing hardware damage.

Why Does My Laptop Always Restart

Unexpectedly?
Unexpected laptop restarts are caused by some sort of unrecoverable hardware or software problem.
Software related issues are no different for laptops than desktops; they can usually be resolved by
updating, restoring or removing the offending program. However, laptops differ with hardware-related
issues because they don't feature as many interchangeable parts as desktop computers.

Hardware Compatibility Issues

Hardware compatibility issues can cause a computer to restart at seemingly random intervals; on
a laptop, RAM and USB devices are the most likely causes of such compatibility issues. Two
different RAM sticks installed in the same computer may cause memory-usage problems that
trigger reboots. Sony recommends removing any additional RAM you have installed in a
computer if you are experiencing unexpected restarts. Removing any connected USB devices
may also resolve the problem.
Dust Problems and Overheating

Laptops do not intake as much air as desktops, but it's enough to bring in dust and debris to cause
problems. Dust and debris can restrict airflow and cause the computer to engage an automatic
shutdown if the system gets too hot. The laptop should shut down if it overheats, but the device
could be set to restart if it gets too hot. System fan failure and restricted airflow can cause the
system to overheat. Blast dust out of the laptop's vents with compressed air to improve airflow.
In addition to restricting airflow, dust and debris can interfere with component connections. Try
blasting out the ventilation port and device connection ports to remove interfering dust.
Advanced users can try removing the RAM and hard drive to get at the related connectors and
clean them with compressed air.

Critical System Error

A program with bad code or an error in the operating system itself could knock down the system.
The computer may be configured so that instead of displaying an error message it just restarts.
Try uninstalling any recently installed programs and rolling back recent program updates to stop
program-related restarts. HP recommends rolling back recent Windows Updates and not
reinstalling them if encountering unexpected restarts. Additionally, running a system refresh or
system restore may phase back the computer to a point where Windows and other programs did
not cause the reboot error.

Program Triggered Restarts

Some computer programs will force the computer to restart after running automatic updates.
Disabling automatic update features should stop the unexpected restarts. While system updates
are a legitimate use of the restart feature, programs like viruses and other malware may trigger
timed restarts to inconvenience the user. Running full system scans with updated anti-virus
programs can remove such malware from the computer.

How Does Temperature Affect The

Performance of Computer Components?
Computers have to be kept in a specific environment to function efficiently. Conditions such as heat,
cold, dust and excessive humidity all can damage and lessen the performance of a computer. External
and internal temperature especially cause fluctuations of performance, although a computer is more
vulnerable to heat than to cold.

Overheating

Laptop and desktop computers are vulnerable to overheating. The electronic components operate
at a specific current induced by a low voltage. The sensitivity of the components means that even
a small fluctuation in voltage is dangerous. Excessive heat lowers the electrical resistance of
objects, therefore increasing the current. In addition, slowdown is a result of overheating.
Components can shut down when overheated and the motherboard temperature sensor instructs
hardware such as the hard drive and processor to slow down.

Cold Temperatures

Cold temperatures are not as dangerous to a computer as overheating is, but problems can still
occurs. If computers get too cold when left powered off, their components can be damaged upon
boot because the electricity heats the circuit. As electricity travels through an circuit, it heats
rapidly and causes the matter to expand. Rapid expansion, when close to matter that remains the
same size, it distorts it. This can bend or break component.s Therefore, you should let computers
previously stored in cold temperatures heat to room temperature before turning them on. Laptop
displays are especially vulnerable to cold weather; they have liquid crystal that can freeze.
Therefore, the laptop needs to be at or close to room temperature before powering up.

Ideal Operating Temperatures

The ideal operating temperature of a computer's environment ranges from 50 degrees F to 82

degrees, though it should be as close as possible to room temperature, 72 degrees. Laptops
should operate between 50 and 95 degrees. If the room is too hot, cool air cannot enter the
computer and keep temperatures from rising too high. In cold rooms, moisture can cause internal
condensation; water damages running electrical components.

Other Factors

Excessive humidity or dry air can exaggerate the effects of extreme temperatures on computer
components. For example, dry air causes static electricity to build up. Coupled with the increased
conductivity from heat, this can cause errant discharges. Conversely, cold and humid areas create
condensation and water, which can create a short circuit.

What Is the Advantage of a Fanless

Computer?
The electronic components of a computer run on electrical impulses. These components generate heat
that must be removed and replaced with cooler air for the components to function. Fans are commonly
used in computers to remove the generated heat, and computers typically have a fan with the power
supply, a fan to cool the central processing unit, several fans in the computer's case and even a fan on
the graphics card. Despite the popularity of using fans, there are some advantages to having a computer
without any fans. Fanless computers are very quiet, clean, reliable and flexible as to their location.
Silent Operation

Almost all the noise a computer makes comes from its fans. When you eliminate fans, you
eliminate noise. Creating a PC that runs silently is an important consideration for some
computers such as a home theater PC, or HTPC. Fanless computers are commonly used as
HTPCs because they can replace several existing audio/visual components with a single
computer that runs as silently as a cable TV box or DVD player.

No External Debris

Some computer fans blow inward and others blow outward, depending on the location of the fan
and the air circulation dynamics of the case. When a computer fan blows inward, it carries not
only cool air but also debris such as dust and dirt. This debris can build up over time and
interfere with the electronic components inside the computer, causing them to fail. By using a
fanless computer, you eliminate the inflow of debris that can potentially harm the PC.

No Moving Parts

Moving parts in a computer are susceptible to mechanical failure caused by debris, shock and
vibration. Most, if not all, of a computer's moving parts are fans. When a fan has a mechanical
failure, it not only requires a replacement fan but also puts the stability and health of the
computer at risk. As the temperature rises, the computer might shut itself down unexpectedly.
Some electronic components may overheat and become permanently damaged. With a fanless
computer, you eliminate the risk of a fan's mechanical breakdown and the resulting downtime
and potential damage to electronic components.

Location Flexibility

Fanless computers can be placed in locations unsuitable for computers with fans. For example,
there might be a need to locate a computer in an outdoor space exposed to rain or snow. While a
computer with fans could not function if exposed to the elements, a fanless computer could
tolerate the exposure. Medical computers used in operating rooms are usually fanless computers
because fans threaten the sterility of the operating room.

How to Tell If the Fan on My Computer Isn't

Working Anymore
A broken fan can cause your computer to overheat and damage internal components like the CPU, video
card, hard drive and motherboard. Computer fans usually adjust their speed depending on the heat
being generated by the computer. For example, if you're using your computer to render video, the
computer is most likely generating a lot of heat, causing the fan to speed up to displace the hot air. If
your computer's fan isn't working, the hot air may have nowhere to go.
Look and Listen

The fastest way to tell if your computer's fan has stopped working is to visually inspect it. If it's a
desktop computer, you can usually see the fan rotating on the back of the case. If the fan is not
moving, you must replace it immediately, before using your computer further. Although most
newer computer fans are very quiet, you should be able to hear it moving, especially when
running at high speeds. A fan that sounds unusually loud or is making abnormal noises probably
needs to be replaced. When in doubt, put your hand over the air vents on your computer and feel
if there is air moving out of the computer.

Check for Symptoms

Most CPUs have built-in thermal protection that shuts the computer down if it gets too hot. If
you notice your computer constantly shutting down or not booting up correctly, it may be an
indication of a broken case or CPU fan. To prevent permanent damage to your computer's
internal components you should have the fan replaced immediately. Check the fan on the
computer's case and, if possible, open the computer case to ensure the CPU fan is running
correctly. In a desktop computer, both fans are inexpensive to replace and can be found at your
local computer repair store or online retailer.

Check the Temperature

If you can't visually inspect the fan you should check the temperature of your CPU. Restart your
computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the corresponding button shown on your
screen during start up. You'll usually find a menu option once inside the BIOS that displays the
temperature of the CPU. The maximum temperature for most processors is 80 degrees celsius, so
any readings should be well below this number. If the temperature of your CPU is at or above 80
degrees, have someone look at the fans to see if they need to be replaced and turn the computer
off to prevent damage.

Keep Things Clean

You can extend the life of your computer's fan by keeping it clean of dirt and debris. Wipe away
any dust found on the outside of your computer with a cloth, and use a compressed-air canister to
remove any dust or dirt that could be clogging the fan and preventing it from rotating. For
desktop computers, open the case and ensure no dust is preventing the CPU fan from working
correctly. You can use compressed air to blow away any dust that is found inside the computer,
and a cloth to wipe down the interior of the case. Try not to touch any components directly
without using a grounding strap.

How to Fix "Previous Fan Failure" on a

Computer
Computer components, especially processors and video cards, produce a lot of heat. Most computers
cool themselves by exchanging the hot air inside the computer with the cooler air outside it using fans.
Fan failure is a serious problem; without fans, the heat builds up inside the computer, which can
damage components. That's why many motherboards monitor fan operation and will notify you if a fan
failure is detected.

1.

Shut down the computer. Disconnect all cables except the power cable.

2.

Open the case according to the manufacturer's instructions. For most cases, the left side panel
can be removed once the screws securing it are removed from the back of the computer.

3.

Observe the interior of the computer and note all visible fans. If any fan is caked with dust,
remove the dust by spraying it with compressed air or lifting it out with a pair of tweezers.

4.

Power up the computer.

5.

Check each fan and note any that aren't spinning.

6.

Shut down the computer.

7.

Check the wires attached to each fan that wasn't spinning. They should be connected to the
motherboard or power supply unit. Connect any unconnected fans to the motherboard or PSU
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Generally they use two- or three-pin connections.
Power up the computer and verify that any newly connected fans are spinning. If they are, simply
close the case. If not, continue to the next step.

8.

Measure (diagonally) any fans that weren't spinning with a millimeter ruler. Use the
measurements to purchase a replacement fan from an electronics store. The most common sizes
are 80 mm, 92 mm and 120 mm.
9.

Disconnect any non-working fans from the motherboard or PSU. Unscrew the four screws
securing the fans to the case.

10.

Screw the new fans into place and connect them to the motherboard or PSU like the ones you
removed.

Things Needed

• Philips screwdriver
• Can of compressed air or tweezers

Negative Effects of an Overheated Laptop

A laptop that severely overheats causes damage to the internal components. Before this happens, the
laptop should attempt to shut itself down. It's normal for a laptop to run warm, even too warm to
comfortably perch on your lap while you're using it. If you smell smoke, a burning odor, the fans never
run or the fan runs all the time, be careful to avoid ruining your laptop. Keep your laptop out of direct,
hot sunlight or a steaming hot car interior as well -- if you take it to an outdoor job site, mind that you
keep it out of weather extremes. Some basic precautions and an understanding of what happens to a
laptop when it overheats makes it possible to avoid a disaster.

Processor

An overheated processor slows down and operates less efficiently. In a computer system that
functions properly, the fans should activate when the processor begins to overheat. Turning off
the computer and using compressed air to blow out any dust accumulated in the fans can help
improve performance in dirty systems.

Battery

Most laptop batteries have lithium-ion batteries that can be harmed by heat. Batteries operate by
a chemical interaction between negatively charged anode ions and positively charged cathode
ions. When the computer starts to heat up, it accelerates this process and makes the ions start
moving more swiftly. The added heat and increased chemical reaction reduces the battery life
and amount of time it stays charged. With prolonged exposure to high heat, the battery may even
become unusable.
Motherboard

Motherboards provide the skeleton for your computer. All of the computer's important
components such as processor, memory and even the fans are all connected to the motherboard.
Several wires and copper components transmit electricity throughout the computer. When the
computer begins to overheat, the efficiency and output of the electrical current gets reduced.
Using a computer-monitoring application that shows wattage and temperature can demonstrate
just how strong of an effect overheating can have on a computer's performance. For this reason,
business owners who run extensive productivity applications or video-editing software often
install large cooling systems for their computers.

Prevention

Preventing laptops from overheating should be a primary concern of businesses that rely on
employee productivity. Using a laptop cooling pad can help reduce some of the heat from a
laptop. However, laptop cooling pads only provide part of the solution since they may mask a
more serious internal cooling problem. When possible, clean your laptops regularly and take
them to a professional to clean off the fans if you don't have the expertise to do it yourself. For
more handy users, taking the laptop apart with the battery removed and cleaning the inside with a
soft cloth often provides a noticeable decrease in overheating.

How to Figure Out if My Processor Is

Damaged
Take heart from the fact that even though you may think your processor is damaged, chances are it is
not. Most often, symptoms you think indicate CPU damage relate to issues that have nothing to do with
your processor. Before taking steps to diagnose problems, think about whether two major causes of
processor damage—electrical problems such as a power surge or outage, or liquid in your computer—
have occurred in the recent past. Then remove the case cover to expose computer innards, get your
user manual and proceed to figuring out if your processor is indeed damaged

Diagnose
1.

Plug your computer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. If electrical connections work and you
can hear and see the CPU fan running but the computer will not boot, remove and reseat your
processor to make sure its connections are tight. Although you should refer to your user manual
for specific directions, most often this involves unclipping and removing the fan, and then
unlatching and removing the processor.

2.
Inspect the CPU fan to make sure it is running and if necessary replace the fan. Fan failure
causes your CPU to overheat and your computer to randomly power down, and can result in
permanent processor damage. If the fan is bad and replacing it does not solve the problem, your
processor most likely has incurred permanent damage.

3.

Plug your computer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. Look for the BIOS manufacturer
name—such as Award, AMI or Phoenix—on your monitor as the computer starts up and then
listen for and record the number and sequence of beeps that occur as your computer goes through
a power-on self test, also called a POST test. The number and sequence of beeps that indicate
CPU damage depends on your BIOS manufacturer, so refer to documentation that comes with
your computer or contact a computer repair shop to determine whether the POST is signaling
CPU damage.

Replace
1.

Unplug the processor fan.

2.

Locate and unlatch the clips securing the processor fan and underlying heatsink.

3.

Release the locking lever securing the processor—often appearing as a horizontal arm running
the length of the processor—by lifting it upward.

4.

Grasp the processor by its sides using your thumb and index finger, and then remove it by lifting
it straight up.

5.

Set the new processor in place using gentle pressure to secure it and then return the locking lever
to its horizontal, locked position.

6.

Squirt a small amount of thermal compound—about the size of a dried pea—in the middle of the
new processor.

7.
Set the heatsink/fan combination in place and relatch the locking clips.

Things Needed

• Your computer's user manual

• Replacement processor
• Thermal compound

Tips

• Prevent static electricity from damaging computer components. Disconnect all cables, unplug
your computer and wear an anti-static wristband when removing the case cover or working
inside your computer.
• While opening the case cover on a desktop computer is usually a simple matter of removing two
to three screws, removing a laptop case cover can be more difficult. Instructions vary according
to brand so read the user manual for your computer, or find case cover removal information on
the company website.
• Removing and replacing your processor is the best and often only way to know for sure whether
your processor is damaged. As a result, if you do not have the time or resources to troubleshoot
your CPU, testing via replacement may be your best “first” option.