Need advise please.

[chuck2]

I built a computer 3 -4 years ago, from a bundle I bought at a computer fair. It worked fine until last week when the fan quit and the CPU burned up. I'm not really deep into building PCs so I need some advise.

1. Is this system worth salvaging. When a CPU fries does the damage usually end there or is the motherborad apt to be smoked as well?

2. The Motherboard is a Matsonic MS8157E, the CPU was an AMD Athlon XP 2000+. the Athlon 2000+ is somewhat scarce and I found an Athlon XP 2200+ that is a couple bucks cheaper - am I asking for trouble if I "upgrade" to the 2200?

3. What do you recommend for a fan?

Thanks,
Chuck

[Atomic Rooster]

1. If the system was doing what you needed it to do without any problems, then just replacing the CPU isn't a bad option. Typically when a CPU fries from overheating, the rest of the system will be unaffected.

2. The XP 2200+ will work fine on that motherboard.

3. If the new processor comes with a HSF, use it. Your options are pretty limited. You could just find a matching cooling fan and replace it, or you could buy a new HSF. One of these will work fine:

Masscool - Socket A Cooling Fan

Thermaltake TR2 M3

[chuck2]

Hi Rooster,
Thanks for the info! I think I'll replace the whole HSF. It's probably easier than trying to find a fan that matches up with my old heat sink.

Chuck