I need the help of a computer geek

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How old is your PC? Most of the time it's not worth the hassle IMHO. Several issues to consider. I swapped out the MB in my Dad's Sony Desktop. I bought a new MB with an Intel processor, new larger Hard drive and more memory for about $450.00. The PC was 2 months out of warranty. I used to RAM off of the old mother board.

It would have easier to buy a reconditioned Dell, HP... .
 
What is the reason for the new motherboard? Sometimes a weak power supply can cause issues as well but what is the issues you are having. I work on these as a living if you need help.
 
Desktop or laptop?

IMHO, replacing the MB on a desktop is a waste of money. You are better off buying a new computer.

But there are instances where it makes sense to replace the MB on a laptop. All depends on what's wrong.

The big-box computer stores don't have the ability to diagnose problems - their approach to repair is to simply replace parts until the problem goes away.
 
Assuming its true that the issue is the motherboard (who told you? A guy that works at best buy? Your nephew who helps you programming your cable's remote?) there is only one instance that it's worth replacing: if you can get the exact same mb for cheap (think ebay).
Anything else not worth it
 
navycop said:
I was told I need a new motherboard for my computer. I came upon this as I was researching ways to troubleshot it myself. http://www.pickegg.com/wholesale/2-...t-boot-failure-diagnostic-pci-card-green.html
I was wondering how good they work.
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Mike; The key questions are:
How old is the computer? If the computer is more than 5 years old, check Craigslist in your area for a newer computer.

Motherboards have electrolytic capacitors on them, and they go bad after about 10 years. More recent computers have solid capacitors (military grade) that last longer.

What symptoms does the computer have?

Did the problem appear suddenly or get worse over a period of time?

Any error messages?

Computers should be cleaned out with compressed air about every 2-3 years. Dust gets into the heat sinks and power supply and makes the computer run hot. If it gets hot enough, it shuts down.

If you are running Windows, and your computer will start, click on "Start", "Programs", "Accessories", "SystemTools", "System Information". Highlight one of the Items listed, then press Ctrl-A to mark everything on the page, and then Ctrl-C to copy the text. Paste it into a message and post it here.
 
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Replacing a board is quit easy and depending upon on how old the system is can be relatively cheap. I personally would not waste my time buying a 'trouble shooter'.

If you're sure that it's your motherboard if it's anything less than a 775 socket it would be time to think about building a new rig.


randyrls said:
Computers should be cleaned out with compressed air about every 2-3 years.
Click to expand...

You must have some serious air cleaners in the house or filters on the case fans. I blow out mine every 3 months and it creates a fog of dust. :biggrin:
 
Seer said:
What is the reason for the new motherboard? Sometimes a weak power supply can cause issues as well but what is the issues you are having. I work on these as a living if you need help.
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Thanks. I tried a new power supply, It started up (the pwr supply) but not the computer. It is a couple yrs old but I want to fix it for the kids to use for school and gaming.. I can plug it in and see what the symptoms are again.
 
randyrls said:
Computers should be cleaned out with compressed air about every 2-3 years.
Click to expand...

Rob73 said:
You must have some serious air cleaners in the house or filters on the case fans. I blow out mine every 3 months and it creates a fog of dust. :biggrin:
Click to expand...

Yep; We have an electrostatic air filter on the furnace, and I clean that off about every 6 months. I do have filters on the case fans. Use the foam filters made for portable air conditioners.
 
navycop said:
Thanks. I tried a new power supply, It started up (the pwr supply) but not the computer. It is a couple yrs old but I want to fix it for the kids to use for school and gaming.. I can plug it in and see what the symptoms are again.
Click to expand...

Mike; Does it beep? It should have one short beep. If not, count the number of beeps.

Does the monitor light up? Green light? Does the disk drive light flash?
 
Does it beep is the best question!!. "told I need a new motherboard"... thats POSSIBLE, but not always easily diagnosed.

If it doesn't beep, unplug EVERYTHING you can from this (cd-rom, even hard drive). Now does it try to boot and/or does it beep? Re-seat the RAM. Ram dislodged can do really weird things. Replacing a motherboard is pretty easy, but moving the CPU can be a pain at times. The hardest part is making sure to find the RIGHT motherboard combination for your cpu, ram and case.
 
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