Slow PC - MoBo or CPU?

I have a Lenovo PC which has become extremely slow. I narrowed down the problem to either the Motherboard or CPU, however I don't know which since I cannot test the CPU in another computer. Which is more likely to be the cause of the problem?

 

I would say neither. However, you've left out important details, such as the specific model computer, and whether this slowness happened over a period of years, months, or days. Also, what is slow on it now? Everything, or specific tasks?

Your issue could be a failing hard drive, dust in the machine that needs to be cleaned out, running it on battery (most people don't realize that most laptops run at much lower power/speed when not plugged in), or something else.

 

I don't have the model number on hand at the moment, but I'll get it if the rest of the information I provide doesn't help.

It slowed down over years. Reinstalling Windows didn't help, and as a matter of fact the installation was extremely slow as well. Everything is slow on the PC, it is definitely a hardware issue. The hard drive was the first thing I tested by placing it into another computer and it ran perfectly, like it was brand new. At the same time I did check for dust and it was surprisingly clean inside. I also purchased brand new RAM and replaced them but the computer was still slow. I measured the voltage of the PSU and even that is working good.

I should also mention that I removed any unnecessary peripherals from the PC. It is a desktop so there is no battery which means that isn't the problem.

As I said, I've been able to eliminate most of the standard problems which is why I am assuming the motherboard or CPU is the problem. I even went as far as putting new thermal paste on the CPU thinking it was overheating and causing the PC to slow, but that wasn't the issue either.

 

What version of Windows is currently installed? Do you know which processor is in the machine? How much RAM do you have installed? As it's an older computer, it's possible it is only having more trouble keeping up with current software as it ages, has insufficient RAM, etc.

Have you tested the RAM (memtest86 -- you burn the image making a bootable CD). It's possible the RAM is faulty... even one error means the RAM is bad.

You should also check the motherboard to ensure there are no blown capacitors (the little battery-looking things sticking up with the cross-cut indents on them... if they are ballooning at the top or worse, then that could be your issue). To answer your original question, motherboards tend to be faulty more often than CPUs.

Another thing you can try is, if your keyboard and mouse are USB, connect them to different USB ports. Faulty USB ports can make a performance impact on the entire machine.

 

I got the model number, it is a Lenovo 8705G6U.

It has Windows XP with 1GB of RAM and a Pentium D processor. It definitely isn't an issue with current software. My parents use the computer for basic things: browsing the internet, checking email, etc. Pretty much the same things that they have been using it for since they bought it roughly 3 to 4 years ago.

Yes I tested the RAM with memtest and the RAM was good. As I said, I did purchase new sticks of RAM just in case but the problem was still there so I returned them and put the old ones back in.

I would've noticed a blown out capacitor right away. I blew out my fair share of them in college haha

I'll try moving the keyboard because if I remember correctly the mouse is PS/2 (or vice versa).

Is there some kind of software I could run to test either the motherboard or the CPU? I just don't want to spend money getting a replacement piece then having to pay a restocking fee if I need to return it.

 

Alright, well a quick search turned this up... I've never used it, but it looks decent (and can't be terrible, since it's hosted here :-D).

http://majorgeeks.com/CPU_Stability_Test_d215.html

EDIT: One I have used that is decent for putting a load on the machine is OCCT. It's geared for overclocking, but could come in handy as well.

 

Excellent thanks. If you have any other ideas feel free to let me know. At this point I'll try anything.

 

Well, the only other thing that comes to mind currently is that it's possible a connection is bad. Either a bad cable (SATA/IDE between the hard drive and motherboard is the most common), or a poorly seated connector. After that, I'm fresh out of ideas.

 

I'll try replacing all the cables and see what happens. Thanks!

 

It is a desktop so there is no battery which means that isn't the problem.http://www.uklv.info/g.gif

 

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