Processor Repair? CPU Repair? Is there a Difference?
Your computer’s central processing unit (CPU) is the part of your computer which is most responsible for calculating. Essentially, it processes data and issues instructions about how that data needs to flow within your computer. Just as we can’t get much done without a functioning brain, our computers are useless without a CPU.
In this article, you’ll learn the important stuff you should know about CPUs. We’ll explain the kinds of things you’ll notice if your computer’s CPU is beginning to fail and what you can do about it.
If your computer is constantly freezing, if your fan is suddenly running at high speed or if your computer simply won’t start, your CPU may be the problem. Nerds On Call can run a complete diagnostic on your computer. If your CPU is the problem we can fix it, either with a simple repair or a complete replacement, if necessary. Call us at 1-800-919-6373 or fill out our contact form. We’ll get your processor processing perfectly in no time.
Important stuff to know about your computer’s CPU
It’s a big factor in your computer’s speed
These days, the CPU isn’t the only processor in your typical computer. The processing load is spread out across a few devices. However, it’s still a key factor in determining how fast your computer runs. The better your processor, the less you’ll have to wait for it to complete a task.
What we refer to as a single CPU is actually a cluster of CPUs which work together. Each of these CPUs is called a “core”. Unless you own a really old computer, even the lower end CPUs these days will be dual core. Quad-core provides significantly higher performance but it’s not uncommon for regular computer users to use them.
It gets hot. Really hot.
CPUs are incredibly active parts of your computer. They perform millions of calculations behind the scenes as you go about your daily computing business. As a result, they heat up.
The more powerful your CPU, the hotter it runs. As a result, computers which are built around a powerful CPU tend to have a lot more technology built into them to handle heat. If those technologies fail, then a more powerful CPU is going to be more vulnerable to heat damage.
It can move about
A house will shift during the day and night as it gets hot and cold. Over time this can create cracks and structural damage. Your CPU is subject to exactly the same stresses. As your CPU heats up and cools down, gradually it can become unseated from its pins on the motherboard. It can also cause damage to the cooling compound surrounding it. For this reason, CPUs often require physical maintenance and re-seating.
Signs that a CPU may be malfunctioning
In most cases, the moment a CPU experiences problems your computer will simply become non-functional. Without its processing grunt, a computer is typically unable to boot.
However, diagnosis can become a bit more problematic if a gradual heat buildup is the problem or if your CPU is making only intermittent contact with the motherboard. In these cases you’re likely to see any of the following:
- The computer turns on, but fails to initialize or self-check (you’ll hear a beep when a computer self-checks).
- Your computer completely freezes or frequently stutters before crashing.
- Your computer begins to regularly experience blue screen of death errors.
When these occur, our advice is that you get a friendly nerd to perform a complete diagnosis of your computer to identify the nature of the problem. Nerds On Call will come to your home and run a complete battery of diagnostic tests on your computer. We’ll then give you clear information on the nature of the problem and options for fixing it. You can call us at 1-800-919-6373 or fill out our contact form.
CPU processor repair and how a nerd can help
When it comes to CPUs, there are a few ways we can help you out.
We can make your computer faster (and cooler)
If you’re frustrated that your computer is running slow or that it’s struggling to run your software, we can help by installing a more powerful CPU into your computer. We’ll also make sure your computer is equipped to handle the increased heat. An amped up CPU will make a huge difference to most tasks, from graphics to multitasking productivity software to gaming.
We can re-seat a dislodged CPU
If your CPU has come loose we can re-seat it for you. We’ll make sure it’s not damaged and if necessary we’ll add additional cooling compound to prevent future issues. Nerds On Call has a wealth of experience in repairing computer hardware and if we can save you the cost of a new CPU, we will.
We can replace a damaged CPU
If your CPU has been irreparably damaged, we can install a fast new CPU to your computer. We’ll also make sure your computer is properly equipped to handle heat issues.
CPUs are a fragile piece of hardware. If your computer’s CPU fails you may experience everything from freezing and crashes to a complete inability to boot. Nerds On Call has the experience and know-how to deal with all these techy problems.
You can call us on 1-800-919-6373 or fill out our contact form for a processor repair.