Hopefully, none of you have had this experience but if you have, can you give some advice? I was looking at CMOS settings. I noticed that my CPU temp was 74 C on one of the CMOS screens (Hardware Monitor &MISC setup). I had the case open and I was adjusting the position of the Volcano 7 over the Athlon 1.4GHz CPU. I decided that I needed to check the thermal contact between the CPU and the heat sink. I “Exited CMOS Without Saving Changes” and turned off the computer before it could reboot. I removed the cooler from the CPU and found that the heat sink tape had defects from probable movement (mine!) of the cooler. I removed the tape compound and replaced it with generic (Radio Shack) Heat Sink Compound. Now when I turn on the power, I get lights for the hard drive, power. The motherboard LED lights and all the fans spin. I get 3 beeps and a pause repeated but no display. I’ve tried to restore the bios to default by removing the MOBO battery for hours. I’ve swapped memory in and out and tried all the slots. I swapped my display adapter for another. I tore the computer down to the empty case and reassembled everything, including reseating the CPU in its socket. I called the MOBO vendor to order a new one and they offered to send me a new one. While I wait for it to come, I wonder, could I have messed up my CPU either thermally or mechanically causing the above beep codes? Will my new MOBO come and will I still hear three bios beeps? In advance thanks!

2 beeps = Base 64K RAM failure I would suggest you take your HS+Fan off the cpu and check the core. each side of your core should be flat and straight, if it is indented or (eek) chipped then its trashed :0( That could very well be the reason for the base ram failure.

You were right, it was the CPU. I replaced the MOBO and same 3 beeps. I replaced the CPU and things were back immediately. Close inspection (powerful magnifying glass) of the original CPU showed some chips! It never ran cooler than 60C. The new CPU runs 34C. The original assembly used thermal tape. I’m using Radio Shack thermal paste. Thanks!