Hardware problem: Dead desktop

[Leslie Gossner]

Mark M Lambert wrote:
> Hi Leslie, thanks for your reply. The computer is about 3 years old,
> assembled by myself from bits and pieces so no warranty (didn't keep
> receipts). I don't have a spare video card, foolishly threw away when I
> moved house 2 months ago! I live in St Peters, about 10 mins from the
> Sydney CBD. 
> Specs: 
> Intel PEntium 4 2.4GHz 
> 512Mb DDR RAM (one stick)
> Gigabyte GA-8S648FX mobo 
> Unknown brand low-end Nvidia card near-new
> Samsung DVD burner
> Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 hard drive
>  .. and i've just noticed a bad burning smell coming from the CPU...
> :(
>
>
>
> ----- Original message -----
> From: "Leslie Gossner" <clownius at gossner.id.au>
> To: "Mark M Lambert" <mark+linux.ubuntu at marklambert.net>
> Cc: "Ubuntu" <ubuntu-au at lists.ubuntu.com> Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007
>     11:41:17 +1100 Subject: Re: Hardware problem: Dead desktop
>
> Hi Mark Depends where in Sydney you are and how comfortable you are
> opening your computer up. Firstly is it under warranty?  If its not
> heres what i would check out. Quick and easy check is the Video card. If
> you have a spare or can borrow one try swapping it.  Most of all it
> sounds like a dead Motherboard (how old is the machine?) They can die
> due to power issues (like storms).  I know a great place in the Blue
> Mountains and if your in western Sydney i could even pop over and have a
> look myself if you need the help. Give some more details on the specs of
> the machine and where in Sydney you are and we can work it out from
> there. Good Luck Leslie Gossner
>
>   
Doesn't sound good at all.  Id say its a dead mobo or CPU.  If its a 
socket 775 board its easy enough to get a replacement.  But 478's are 
hard to come by.  I highly doubt just the CPU would go without taking 
the board with it but for a cheap option go for  Pentium E2140 or a Core 
2 Duo E4500.  Both are very low priced dual cores and the E4500 is a 
very solid performer that would give you a great speed increase.
As for mobo check out AsRock boards (Dirt cheap) and some will support 
both DDR and DDR2. (ASRock 4CoreDX90).  Or if you like high end gear the 
ASUS P5K-E is very nice but then you gonna need to go a big upgrade.  
eg. DDR2.
I do know a make is selling one of the AsRocks and an E2160 with a Gig 
of DDR (2*512) for $200 bucks if you need to get it up and running again 
on the cheap.  Give us a yell if you want if not i think ill add it to 
my collection anyway.
Not familiar with the PC stores in that area but someone down there 
would be or would be willing to help out im certain.
Good Luck
Leslie