HAY GUYS

Kaleb.G · Local time: Jun 26, 2006, 11:18 AM

I bought computer parts for a friend (don't get any ideas; he provided the money) in order to build him a new computer. However, during the building process, we realized that either the motherboard or the processor is faulty. Now, I have no way of knowing which of these parts is faulty, as I don't have any other compatible Mobo/CPU parts. Intel won't let me return the CPU until I have tested it, though I can ship the Mobo back to Newegg whenever I need to.

My questions are:

1) Should I ship the mobo back now, or wait to test it or the CPU?

2) How can I test the Mobo/CPU? The Intel CSR guy said I could take it to a computer store to get it tested, but like an idiot, he couldn't provide any specifics. I don't know what to do.

3) If needed, should I just lie to Intel that I tested it and ship back the CPU anyway?

Here are the items I bought:
Intel Pentium 4 511 533MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor - Retail
BIOSTAR PT880 Pro-A7C ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Cetra · Local time: Jun 26, 2006, 11:31 AM

If you are able to return the motherboard at minimal to no cost to you, I would just do that first. CPU testing can cost $30-$50 and as you seem to realize is pointless because Intel has no method to be sure if you really had the thing tested.

Anyway, in my experience a faulty motherboard is far more likely than a problematic CPU. RMAs from Intel are also a complete pain in the ass and I would take every step possible to avoid one. Also if you send them a working CPU and they find no fault with it, they will ship it back to you at your own cost. This is still usually cheaper than the typical CPU test.

Finally, be sure you are plugging in the 4 pin ATX12V plug into the motherboard. I can't tell you how many times I've come across this being the problem when others have suspected a faulty P4 CPU or motherboard.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Kaleb.G · Local time: Jun 26, 2006, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by Cetra

Finally, be sure you are plugging in the 4 pin ATX12V plug into the motherboard. I can't tell you how many times I've come across this being the problem when others have suspected a faulty P4 CPU or motherboard.

The aux power one, right? Yeah, I have that hooked in. I already made sure to do this since I ran into this issue when I was putting together my own PC last year (though I resolved it in a timely fashion).

Anyway, thanks for the input, Cetra!

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.