I tried building a new computer. It ended poorly. While browsing websites I came across a listing for a Core i5 7500 processor for $35. Why would I want a Core i5 7500, ew that is sooo old? The answer is that many years ago I had a computer that used 7th gen intel silicon but it broke. I bought a new motherboard of the same type but the processor failed to show any signs of life. Eventually I sourced a secondhand processor and used the new motherboard and the old RAM to build a replacement computer.
Later I swapped out the memory, leaving me with a stick of RAM and a motherboard that, who knows? Maybe it was okay? Well I bought another CPU and decided to try it. All I wanted was for it to POST. I installed a CMOS battery and the processor, fitted the CPU fan that I found in a box and connected it up to a power supply that I know is faulty but sometimes it works (intermittent fault). I got nothing, so I pulled out my server computer and unplugged the power supply from it and ran the cables to the old motherboard. Still nothing, but I did see a POST led briefly flash. Nothing was working until I disconnected the 12V CPU power and suddenly the motherboard came to life, responding to the power switch.
Trouble is, I was back where I was in 2018, with the CPU diagnostic light lit up, the fans whirring and nothing else. Obviously the CPU was not responding because I had the CPU power disconnected. When I plugged in the CPU power again, the system refused to start up at all. Regretfully I decided that the motherboard is probably dead as advertised and I don't really want to plug the new to me CPU into my working computer because a) I might have just fried it, b) the sizzling might be catching and c) I would need more thermal paste than I have on hand.
So I've put the processor and RAM away for a rainy day, thrown out the motherboard and dicky power supply and put my server back together (I was thinking that I might be able to give it a motherboard upgrade but apparently not).
