When installing new components, stupidly i did not apply any thermal paste to the CPU! The Computer was running great for the first couple of days, but over the last few, the computer will completely switch off only leaving on keyboard and main power LED's. The power switch at the back has to be switched off and on again in order for me to start up. i have checked the temp. in the bios and is was between 50 and 61 degrees C - is this too hot? My motherboard will automatically shut down the system if an overheat is detected, so is this definitely what is happening? will it just be a case of applying thermal paste, or is it a bigger job? Please help! ASRock K7VT4A+ Sempron 2600+ @11x166mhz 512mbPC3200+256mbPC2100 ASUS Radeon 7000 Maxtor 60GB

Have you applied thermal grease? If not, do it immediatly. Yes, the BIOS will usually shut down the CPU before damage, but you can't continuously do that safely. I'm surprised that your unit even booted! Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; Then industry pollutes the water and kills all the fish.

ok, will try that now - thanks! i have a 350w fan and have been reading that sometimes it could happen if the voltages aren't right.... what dya think? ASRock K7VT4A+ Sempron 2600+ @11x166mhz 512mbPC3200+256mbPC2100 ASUS Radeon 7000 Maxtor 60GB

If you don't want to buy a new cpu apply thermal paste as soon as you can shut down. Most cpus would already be fried! If you're still in trouble after it download Motherboard Monitor from the net and install it. It also shows the voltages on your board and you can activate a function that shows the maximal and minimal readings while running!

Cheers all, just applied the paste, and CPU temp seems to be running fine and dandy at 35 degrees!! you've just saved me a good 50 quid! thanks! ASRock K7VT4A+ Sempron 2600+ @11x166mhz 512mbPC3200+256mbPC2100 ASUS Radeon 7000 Maxtor 60GB

You're double welcome, Jimmy! Enjoy your new unit. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; Then industry pollutes the water and kills all the fish.