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If you know what MB you have, a BIOS update is worth a try - it sounds like an issue with the 'soft' power switch PCs all have these days, so it could be the motherboard (a Bios update might help, and is free to try at least) or the case (unlikely) now that you've ruled out the PSU.
definitely pull the mb though, often the little metal stand offs can be shorting something.. but thats usually more predictable.
May also be worth trying a different hard drive too if you can get hold of one with an OS already installed on it?
Pointless when you can just unplug the existing one (-:
And yeah, without seeing it first-hand it's hard to be 100%, but I'd concur that you're probably looking at a motherboard that's, well, mothered. Running it caseless is a good idea (seeing as you're going to have to remove it anyway), careful you don't knock the table with it live though.
I used to repair computers for a living (for over 20 years). Prior to that I was an MOD standard fitter/wireman.
If you remove the motherboard battery, it's worth noting all the BIOS settings first. Maybe these setting have been corrupted due to the battery being depleted. Can you get the correct settings from Eclipse to verify yours?
If you knock the machine and it's state changes, you have a loose connection which could possibly be in the form of a dry joint. It could also be a seating problem, but you say you have reseated all the boards. Did you miss anything because it didn't seem relevant?
Inspect the motherboard solder joints very carefully and also the reset/power on button assy. Try metering out the switch to see if it's actually working properly.
Dry joints can exist with the tiniest hairline crack, so take your time and look very closely. If a joint looks a bit iffy, just quickly rerun it using a well wetted clean iron (not loaded with solder though). Be quick, especially near chip capacitors, or you run the risk of them leaching.
It seems that you have eliminated the PSU by replacing it, but check the pins on the motherboard where the PSU connects. This would be the most likely place to find a dry joint responsible for causing the symptoms you describe.
Please let us know the outcome. Experience maketh a better engineer!
Whilst you're at it, check the tops of the capacitors for bulges and splits, they should be flat across and not domed. There was a massively widespread run of bad caps a few years ago.
Thanks again everyone. Latest instalment...
1. Tried the old graphics card from work, no difference. Having said that the old one was covered in dust and could have been knackered itself.
2. Removed motherboard, placed on a wooden chopping board(!) with a paper cover, and run with only 1 stick memory and GPU connected. Still dead, no change. Also inspected the motherboard, no obvious defects (to me).
Next step... buy a replacement motherboard and try that? If I get it on the net I can probably return it via distance selling regs if it turns out not to be the problem.
Ooh. Searching to see where I could get a replacement I found someone else with similar symptoms (same motherboard):
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18095625
Maybe I will try a different brand of motherboard...
I think at this point I'd be shopping for a new board.
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/not-buying-from-overclockerscouk-due-to-owners-politics ]Are Overclockers still racists though?[/url]
Ok, i'm shopping for a new board. My current board has an LGA775 socket and ATX form factor, I presume I just need to buy any other motherboard with the same socket and form factor.
Yeah, also check it's got enough USB ports and ethernet etc.
I can recommend Asus boards, built a few for friends & family based on these and not had one go pop yet...
+1 for Asus, they're on my shortlist.
Depending what CPU you have already, and if budget stretches, a mobo+CPU(+RAM) bundle might be a better option long-term.
For the record, I have now changed the motherboard and the computer is workign again.
My sincere thanks for all your help! It was a bit of a pain, but at least i'm a bit more confident with computer hardware now...
Good work. Glad you got it sorted.
What did you get, out of interest?
One of these: http://www.dabs.com/products/gigabyte-p43-s775-ddr2-fsb1600-sata-6JSW.html?refs=405070000-4294948008-50509
Bit of a short termist option, in that I didn't get a new processor and MB with a more modern socket, but I reckon I have a fair bit of use left in the PC yet. It was about the cheapest compatible motherboard with four memory slots from a reasonably respectable manufacturer (I have 3 x 1Gb sticks).
My old board that died was MSI.
Going from Microstar to Gigabyte is like going from Aldi to Harrods. Good choice.