First time builder CPU/MB question

[JoeP]

Hi,

Is there a way to find out if I burned out the CPU and/or the motherboard?

I decided to build a super PC, but I'm afraid that I may have made a very expensive mistake. :confused:

I purchased the OEM version of Intel Core2 Quad Quat Kentsfield 2.4GHz processor and BIOSTAR TForceTP45HP LGA 775 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138123) motherboard.

I was getting ready to install and configure the BIOS, turned on the PC, and after about 40 seconds, the PC shutdown. The prompt to load the BIOS/driver CD came on, but after restarting the PC three more times, it did not come up again.

The CPU was realy hot to touch. I did not realize at the time that I should have installed a CPU fan. (I would have known had I purchased the retail version) I thought that the 3 fans in the case were enough.

So, I am asking if I just need a fan, or is the problem fatal and I need to get a new MB and/or CPU? Please advise.

Too bad I did not run into this website earlier. :(

Thank you in advance!

[Damlite]

CPU's should in all situations have some form of cooler specifically designed to cool it. Case fans are used to supplement and assist component fans to cool down the computer by improving the air circulation, they can never sustain the use of a computer without a fan/water cooling system.

If your OEM cpu did not come with a stock cooler, go onto http://www.newegg.com/ and search "Zalman" or "Thermaltake cpu" and have a browse through the cpu coolers there.

Try installing a cpu cooler first and then give it another shot. modern motherboards and cpus these days program themselves to shut down if their parts become dangerously hot (might be the reason why yours did).

[RickyTick]

Check this Sticky to help in finding a heatsink/fan.
http://forums.mysuperpc.com/showthread.php?t=1804

[JoeP]

I'm not so worried about the MB now, and hopefully the CPU is still ok. I'll check out those CPU fans.
Thanks for the replies!