What is a damaged cpu?

My computer always made a humming sound when running but recently the sound has gotten pretty loud. Then it started cutting off unexpectedly. Even though I don't really know anything about computers, I opened it up to see if there was an obvious problem. The inside was dusty so I vaccummed it out. I unscrewed the little fan that's inside because there was dust underneath and noticed that the silver part of the computer that the fan screws into was very hot. I assumed the fan was placed there to keep it cool. I know this really isn't much to go on but I am a little cash strapped and was hoping to get a general idea of what could be wrong before I take it to the computer shop.

Also now that the noise is louder I've noticed that the icons on my desktop have little wiggly lines around them. Almost like they're vibrating. Thanks, Erica

This question was answered on December 2, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

---

Erica by removing the fan and vacumming the dust off instead of using a dust blower you have damaged the cpu that is under the fan so the only thing you are going to have to change is the cpu

About the author

Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on December 2, 2003

Need Help with this Issue?

We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!