Identifying a bad CPU

1) Event log shows 0x0000000A or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL error messages. System powers down suddenly.

2) When doing WinXP installation, during copying the files it has to retry on certain files before it will work then it gives a fatal error during the winxp install. (This may be due to bad CD media as well)

Why CPU & motherboard turn bad?

Overheating, the cpu does have a tendency to go bad in warm situations. Heat is the ultimate killer in any system and to any system component. A little heat is fine but too much can be a problem.

The main sources for heat are usually from the power supply which may be going bad, CPU, and just plain poor air circulation. Get a FAN(s). Having one fan mounted somewhere in the case along with a CPU fan can really cut the heat down.

Power Surge, you don't want this one. It will fry the whole computer quick. Having a surge protector is a good defense but not the only one. Make sure your surge protector has a way of protecting your power, phone lines, cable (Cable Modem), and anything else you can get a hold of. Even a slight over volt can kill the system. Remember that just the static electricity from you can damage a electronic part.