cause?

i have this dell dimension 8100 (P4 @ 1.3 GHz) that it is at a point where every time i want to start it, it gives me a microprocessor failure indicator light (based on that lovely dell ABCD light and power light)

if i pull the computer apart and take off the heat sink and processor, and replace in the opposite of removal most times i will get it to start up normally.

my question is what could be the root cause for this failure? there are no bent pins and any motion will cause the processor to move and cause the failure. once it is running it works normally and stays up leading mt to believe that there is a physical fitment issue. should i look at a new heat sink? new processor? i dont have any canned air right now, so i havent tried that yet. it is on my list.

let me know what you think

[Edited on September 3, 2008 at 9:11 AM. Reason : 

9/3/2008 8:59:48 AM

It's a P4 1.3. It's just trying to end it's own life.

9/3/2008 9:31:01 AM

yeah i know, but everything else is good

9/3/2008 10:02:28 AM

Are you sure the problem isn't with the socket on the motherboard?

9/3/2008 10:28:35 AM

no im not

9/3/2008 10:33:23 AM

powersupply imo.

9/3/2008 10:49:33 AM

never thought about that

ill pull the multimeter out and check the voltages

9/3/2008 11:20:29 AM

when i actually looked at the power supply, the cooling fan had failed so im going to replace that

it just has a goofy proprietary power supply

9/3/2008 10:03:03 PM

no go with the new power supply

i should just give up

9/11/2008 6:28:47 PM

Are you properly applying the thermal paste?

It should be re-done everytime you reseat the proc.

[Edited on September 11, 2008 at 6:30 PM. Reason : ]

9/11/2008 6:29:52 PM

yes and it is a pain in the ass

i just cant imagine that the processor has failed

it has to be the socket

[Edited on September 11, 2008 at 7:53 PM. Reason : 

9/11/2008 7:52:51 PM

the 8100 has a wierd powersupply, aka not the flipped / inverted atx many older dells used. It has the 16 pin power plug yes? there are a few supplies out there that fit it, but at $80 -plus shipping most places, its easier to replace the machine.

9/11/2008 8:16:50 PM

i got a new generic power supply and 20+4 → 24+16 pin adapter for $30

the only reason that im trying to resurrect it is because i had 4x256 MB RDRAM laying around

it is up right now...who knows if it will stay up

9/11/2008 10:48:57 PM

turd polished:

4x256 MB RDRAM, up from 2x128 RDRAM

1.3 GHz P4 → 1.8 GHz (socket 423, insane prices on ebay for the 2.0 GHz)

new power supply

9/25/2008 6:42:15 AM