The AMD Athlon 3800+ is part of AMD's line of Athlon 64 X2 CPUs, AMD's first dual-core desktop processor. Each core runs at 2 gigahertz, allowing the processor to handle two simultaneous threads of data.
Unless there is electrical damage, or overheating caused by system overclocking or some other reason, processors can last as long as a decade or more. CPU failure happens rarely; processor problems usually are caused by overheating, improper installation or misconfiguration.
Instructions
Reinstall the Processor and Reapply the Thermal Compound
1. Shut down the computer. Remove the power cable and disconnect any peripheral devices.
2. Attach a ground bracelet to your wrist to protect your system against static electricity. Loosen the screws or latches securing the cover to the computer's case.
3. Slide or pop up the cover. Locate the CPU fan and heat sink. Release the latches or loosen the screws securing the CPU fan to the heat sink.
4. Set the fan aside. Wiggle the heat sink back and forth gently to release it from the AMD Athlon. Continue wiggling as you pull the heat sink up and out of the desktop computer.
5. Set the heat sink aside. Release the lever located next to the processor. Lift the processor up from its edges.
6. Look at the bottom of the processor to locate four empty slots. Orient the Athlon 3800 so that the slots line up with the markings on the socket.
7. Place the AMD CPU directly on top of the AM2 socket. Do not tilt the CPU or push it down into the socket to secure it in place.
8. Confirm the slots and the pins on the CPU are aligned properly with the socket. Push the lever down to lock the processor into position.
9. Use a dry, lightweight, antistatic cloth to completely remove the thermal compound from the top of the processor and the bottom of the heat sink.
10. Apply a small dab of thermal compound to the top of the processor, and use a business card or old credit card to spread it around evenly along the surface. Do not apply thermal compound to the sides of the AMD Athlon 3800.
11. Reinstall the heat sink and CPU fan on top of the processor. Reassemble the case and reconnect the power cable and any peripherals.
Reset Your BIOS Configuration
12. Power on the computer. Follow the directions as shown on the boot screen to access BIOS setup. BIOS, or the basic input/output system, makes the computer's components work together.
13. Go through each menu and copy down your current system settings.
14. Navigate through your setup utility until you locate the option or menu to reset your BIOS to default.
15. Press the key as indicated in the setup utility to revert your settings to fail-safe defaults. Follow the directions on the legend to restart your computer and save your BIOS settings.
Tags: heat sink, Athlon 3800, Follow directions, heat sink aside, power cable, setup utility