Goodbye Memory Controller, Hello Restart

L

lz22

New Member
My computer restarts itself once every 30 hours or so.

I have a P4B533 Motherboard and upon opening the case to test for the memory, I see that the Intel 845E Memory Controller Hub (MCH) is unhinged and not attached to the motherboard anymore. Some how, 2 of the 4 sides popped up leaving it hanging onto the motherboard but not connected. I also notice a burnt smell inside the case.

Should I order a new board (the same board) or replace the computer all together? Would I be able to detach and re-attach the processor? It's been a good 6 years that I have had with this computer.
 
It depends on whether or not you can find one, and how much it will cost.

If you can find one for $50 or such I would replace it.

Otherwise you could find a different board that's compatible with your current CPU and RAM, which may not be easy either.
 
lz22 said:
My computer restarts itself once every 30 hours or so.

I have a P4B533 Motherboard and upon opening the case to test for the memory, I see that the Intel 845E Memory Controller Hub (MCH) is unhinged and not attached to the motherboard anymore. Some how, 2 of the 4 sides popped up leaving it hanging onto the motherboard but not connected. I also notice a burnt smell inside the case.

Should I order a new board (the same board) or replace the computer all together? Would I be able to detach and re-attach the processor? It's been a good 6 years that I have had with this computer.
Click to expand...

For one thing, the Memory Controller/Northbridge can not just fall off. If your talking about the chip beside the CPU, the heatsink on top of the Nortbridge has come loose. From looking at the board it just has two metal clips holding it on. If they are not broke just snap the clip back down. Or if your good enough, remove the heatsink, clean it and apply thermal compound and reattach it.
 
StrangleHold said:
For one thing, the Memory Controller/Northbridge can not just fall off. If your talking about the chip beside the CPU, the heatsink on top of the Nortbridge has come loose. From looking at the board it just has two metal clips holding it on. If they are not broke just snap the clip back down. Or if your good enough, remove the heatsink, clean it and apply thermal compound and reattach it.
Click to expand...

Yes, the cube like heatsink has come loose. It is held together by 2 clips, both clips are missing one side because the inverted U shape holders that are attached to the motherboard became detached. Leaving me with no way of anchoring down that side of the clips.
 
Can you see which part of the Motherboard has been burnt or even melted?

Even if you can't, as I stated best to update, burning smells are never a good sign ;)
 
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