How do I identify the CPU?

I received a cast-off computer, thinking I'd cannibalize it for parts. (I want to build a parts PC for the kids to run their software.) Now that I've looked inside this thing, I'm thinking I'll refurbish this one: I looked up the motherboard (intel) and see that it will support a pentium 4 chip. Then I pulled the fan and heat sink off the CPU, thinking I'd get an identifying number, and- nothing. The chip is dirty and completely unmarked.

Any way, short of firing this thing up, to ID the chip?

Something is pinging in my memory, saying the chip is dirty because there needs to be some kind of goo applied to make the heat sink work properly. Do I have that right?

Thanks,
Dave O

 

The chip slot is marked mPGA478B. When I googled that, i found this at an Intel website:
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/pentium4/sb/cs-007991.htm

Does this mean the clock speed could be as fast as 1.5 gHz?

 

Since you have removed the heatsink, and have apparently wiped the CPU off, you will need to apply new thermal compound to the CPU, and reset the heatsink before turning the machine on.. Otherwise, the CPU will burn up in 1-2 seconds..
When that task is done, start it up, goto Control Panel - System and that will tell you what CPU it is..

 

good salvage pc there...if you already identified it as a P4 chip and mobo, then you know its at least 1.3ghz, most likely, which you can narrow down by looking up the specs on the mobo you salvaged, its at least 1.6ghz, with 512 L2..if you get it fired up, get a prog called everest home edition, you can get a thirty day trial from download.com...that will give you very detailed specs on not only the CPU, but everything else in the rig.....happy hunting!

 

pull and clean the chip. Do not bend the pins. there will be a mark somewhere.

 

google CPU-Z and download it. It's a small file(less then 1mb) and a utility that will tell you exactually what CPU it is (free), how fast, memory type and speed etc. Also google instructions on how to reset heatsinks. there are several steps you should take that I am too lazy to list. Good luck with it

 

My real concern for finding out the type of chip was to make sure it was worthwhile trying to rebuild this thing. I just wanted to run software for the kids (even Bob the Builder and Thomas the Tank Engine have system requirements beyond the capacity of the kids' current computer), but it seems like this found computer will more than do the job. Assuming it doesn't have some other major problem, other than missing the HD.

Is there a trick to applying the thermal compound? When I removed the heat sink, that compound was dried out, and the underside of the heat sink had a flap or label that I peeled off (in my curiosity). Is it normal for the compound to dry out, and what's up with that flap/label?

Thanks

 

Clean it off the CPU and heatsink.. You can use alcohol and a cutex.. NOT a metal object..
Apply a SMALL dab of compound to the CPU and spread it evenly with a piece of plastic food wrap, or a baggie around your finger.. I use Arctic Silver that can be found at most electronic stores.. www.arcticsilver.com has instructions on the web site..
Replace the heatsink and lock it down.. Be VERY careful that you use a tool that will not slip off the clamp and ruin the motherboard traces..

 

hey how old are your kids?

I did the same thing about 4 months ago, and my 4 year old always deviates from the games, and finds his way into system folders and program files, then just annhilates them..

So I solved the trashing of the Windows folder, I made it a hidden folder, but the program files when I hide it, all the games dissappear, so I cant hide it without killing the point of him having this PC..

Any tips to further safeguard the essential folders?

 

Ours are coming up on 3 y.o., so I don't anticipate them deleting system files (but then again, either did you, I guess). Can you create links to the files and place them on your desktop, and then hide the folder?

 

First off, give the kids a limited user account.

Just put a small bead on the CPU, appliying the heatsink will spread it out.

What might have been on it is a transfer pad, which just scrapes off. If there is a label on it, the assembler messed up, as the label should be removed to apply the heatsink.