Dell Dimension 8300 mobo replacement

[speedy2]

Ok I know how to swap stuff in a PC or build a new PC. I built this one I'm on no problem. I do PC repair on the side. A lady brought me a Dell Dimension 8300. The dial up modem got friend by lightning and the PC won't start up.

I turned it on here and all that happens is this:

1. Fan Spins and stays on.
2. LED on mobo lights up.
3. That's it

I tried unplugging things and this is the only thing that changed anything.

When I unplugged the IDE cables from the mobo the PC would start up the same as before BUT this time I could hear the HDD spin.

I decided I'd find a donor mobo and that would probably fix it.

So I get a used mobo that is known 100% to be working.

I get the same EXACT symptoms with it as I did with the old one.

I've switched video cards, RAM, CPU's, and PSU's on both mobos. And still the same issues. any help would be appreciated!!!!!

 

[o1die]

Ascendtech.us has the 8300 board for $89.99. I would make them a lower offer. In this economy, they might accept it. Or you can look for a similar 478 micro atx board at Computer Geeks. Fry's electronics had a sempron cpu with board for $49.99 this week, but my store sold out. Newegg also has some combo deals. Your 8300 board slides in to some grooves in the case; it's a little different than a standard installation with screws.

 

[speedy2]

Well I guess I could try a 3rd board.

If in fact the board I bought is good, maybe the 2 power supplies I tried are bad?

 

[speedy2]

So if it doesn't beep at all even with nothing but the board, PSU, processor & fan.....is it safe to say that this board is dead as well?

 

[tcsenter]

HDD

 

[speedy2]

HDD? Even if it doesn't post without the HDD plugged in?

 

[E4300]

Strip the board down to the bone. Put it on a non-conductive surface. Clear CMOS. You may need to remove CMOS battery for one day. Connect a working mouse, keyboard, PSU, and RAM (one stick). If no POST, then the MB or CPU is dead.

 

[speedy2]

Did all that except let the CMOS battery stay out for a day. I did let it sit out for about 30 minutes.

 

[speedy2]

Well I guess it's on to Mobo #3

 

[speedy2]

Ok guys. Motherboard #3 is working great. Fired right up. Her HDD is fine and booted right to windows. Everything looks good except the 2 CD drives. It doesn't see them at all. nothing in "My Computer." Nothing in the Device manager. I plugged in another known working drive and same thing. Seems like the Secondary IDE Controller is nowhere to be found. Any ideas?