i posted a message a few months ago i think the problem was an incompatible video card, though weird as that is since i tried two cards, and i have a new mobo. it works. but BRIEFLY. the computer starts and when doing diagnostics shuts off. i think that this could be the thermal pad instead of thermal grease on top of the cpu chip and i don't remember how to clean off the chip and replace it with the grease i have. plz let me know what kind of alchoholic solution or whatever i NEED to clean off the glue stickiness or whatever and perhaps if there is someplace online i can purchase it. thank you! I've heard that WD40 works well removing glue residue. I've never tried it. But I don't recomend spraying it on the chip, carefully remove the chip, put the WD40 on a soft cloth and use it that way to remove the glue.Nail polish remover (yes now there is a reason for the ladies to keep nail polish remover) and/or isopropyl alcohol.[highlight]it works. but briefly. the computer starts and when doing diagnostics shuts off.[/highlight]

If this is happening as soon as the computer starts...it sounds a little more than just a heat-sink compound issue. The chip isn't hot enough yet to cause problems if it's just booting up, unless it's been damaged somehow.

Alan <><

Perhaps a little history and specifics on the machine would be helpful?

See below.yes! i replaced the thermal pad with thermal grease and now i am installing windows!!! FANTASTIC!!! SUCCESS STORY BABY YEAH!!!! WOOOOOWe love success STORIES...

How did you do it ? ?