computer troubles

[USSEnterprise]

Just bought some used PC equipment for a MythTV setup. Included was an Asus P4S800-MX Socket 478 Motherboard and a Pentium 4 3GHz Processor w/ HT. First thing I tried when I got it was bootingit up, sitting on a piece of cardboard, with nothing connected but a CD-ROM Drive (for Knoppix). Powered it up, and goes directly into BIOS with a warning message. Says something to the effect that my computer hung on last startup because the CPU was improperly set up. It said my system was now in "safe mode," which reset the CPU setting to default.

About 20 seconds after that screen comes up, the system powers down. I try turning it on again, the fans spin, and then shuts off 20 seconds later. At that point, I tripped the CMOS reset jumper, let it reset, and then reset the jumper to normal. Powered on. Same error message. I don't know what to do at this point. The main issue I can think of is that it was wrapped in bubble wrap by the previous owner. Could that have done the damage?

Thanks

[psik0tik]

Try to reseat the memory...if that doesn't work then it can be a power supply problem or the cpu is done.

[USSEnterprise]

Is it normal for a 3GHz P4 HT to be running at 180 F? 

Think I got scammed...

[BobA]

Too Hot!   Do you have an appropriate sized heat sink and fan  and are you sure there is silicone grease between the CPU and heat sink?

[AtomSmasher]

Too Hot!   Do you have an appropriate sized heat sink and fan  and are you sure there is silicone grease between the CPU and heat sink?

Agreed, too hot.  Luckily overheating is an easy fix.  First, make sure all the fans in the case are working (especially the cpu heatsink fan), then make sure the heatsink is properly attached.  If you remove the stock heatsink, then make sure you replace the thermal grease on it (as BobA mentioned), which can be bought for a few dollars at most electronic stores.  If that doesn't work, then just buy a large new heatsink, which will cost between $20-50 depending on how good of one you get.

[USSEnterprise]

I'm using the heatsink /fan that came with the processor. Its Intel Brand. I suppose I could try some new thermal grease. Its dried up. To radioshack tomorrow.

[USSEnterprise]

Thanks for your help!

It was the thermal grease. As soon as I applied some new grease (actually, from an 18 year old tube of Archer Thermal Paste) , the temperature went down dramatically, leveling off at about 130 degrees F after 5 minutes. Again, thanks for the help.