I have been using this processor for 2 years without any problems:

http://www.powerleap.com/PL-iP3T.jsp

Just recently I have had problems starting the computer.

I find that the issue seems to be the seating of the processor.

I have recovered from every failure so far by removing & then re-seating the processor.
Sometimes this takes like 100 attempts over an hour of constant trying.
Then all of the sudden it works!

It seems like it just needs to be in the right exact spot.
The mounting clips do not work with my motherboard & it does seem like it works best with a ton of pressure applied into the slot.

When it is working everything seems fine. CPU usage at idle runs 1% to 5% :no more.
No apparent heat issues although my environment is warm & humid.
I run with an open case & a large external fan. Feeling near the processor is just gently warm; definitly not hot.

As I mentioned this has just started to be a constant restart problem after 2 flawless years.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks!

You say it takes alot of pressure to seat the processor. This slot 1 is it the black case PIII with an FC-PGA. You said that the support brakets dont work? It sounds like the slot on the motherboard is now damaged. The pins/connectors inside the slot may have deformed from the Processor leaning. I assume you have cleaned the contacts on the Processor with Alcohol and a cotton swab? small eraser?

BTW, what is stopping the support brakets?

Greetings AphJN,

Thanks for the reply!

The original processor was a PIII as you describe. I upgraded to the one shown in the link above; described as:

The PL-iP3/T is a patented upgrade adapter for Slot 1 based computers.
With the PL-iP3/T, you can obtain significantly faster performance (up to 1.4GHz) from your Slot 1 system, without the hassle of replacing the entire motherboard.

In looking anew at the manufacturer's site I see the Retaining Mechanism problem:

The PL-IP3/T supports both SECC and SECC2 retention mechanisms. SEPP retention mechanisms are not supported. If you have an SEPP retention mechanism holding your current processor in place, you will need to purchase a URM (Universal Retention Mechanism) from the accessories section on this page.

I do have the SEPP & never got the URM. It is quite possibly suffering from leaning.

I did not try cleaning the slots but I will. Thanks for that. I also have my duct tape handy

Duct tape is an acceptable retention technique as long as you keep the aluminum side away from the processor

I looked at the pic you supplied before...That is where I believe you problem is, it is very heavy on one side. Thus you now have the leaning tower of Pentium!

That seems to be the problem.

Actually amazed it sat correctly for 2 years.

Thanks for the cleaning & tape tips.

Hopefully I can keep it stuck & rolling untill I build a new one.


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