Just got this computer from Goodwill..does it need a new motherboard?

[jerm1986]

Hey all, I just got back from the Goodwill where I purchased a newer Emachines for $4. It's a T3042 with an AMD Sempron 3000+ processor, 256mb of ram but no hard drive. I took it to Best Buy to have them test it out because I didn't want to buy a HD if it didn't work. Anyways, the computer powered up but nothing appeared on the screen. Now I'm not tech savvy but I know when I'm getting fed a line of crap to buy the biggest and best at Best Buy. Now this is what I'm asking 1. Is the computer worth fixing and 2. Would this be the piece I need eBay link?? If I'm being to vague let me know, I know enough about computers where I can help you help me.

[SamIAm]

Any beeping when you turn it on?

[jerm1986]

I don't think there was a beep, the power light came on but it was orange.

[jerm1986]

Anyone else have any input??

[D-FENS]

What did the Best Buy guy tell you? Is here a smaller computer shop you can take it to?

Do the fans spin up? Does the CD drive open and close when you turn it on?

Someone else had a similar problem in this thread , try some of the tips in there...do you have a monitor and kb/mouse you can use to test it with?

It could be any number of things. Bad CPU, bad RAM, fried mobo, or all three.

The motherboard in this machine is a FIC K7MNF-64. It would probably cost a total of about $50 if you want to try to replace it. The specs are listed here.

That ebay auction you link to isn't the right processor. Your's is a Socket A (also called Socket 462) chip. The specs I link to will tell you what processors are compatible.

Whether or not it's worth it to fix is up to you. You should be able to replace the mobo, cpu, and ram for less than $100.

Another thing: does it have the WinXP license sticker on it? That by itself is worth way more than $4.

[jerm1986]

Thanks for the reply, I thought I was S.O.L for a minute. The geek squad guy said that it was probably a bad motherboard, the computer did turn on and I'm sure the fan was on..not sure about the CD player though, I'll check that soon. I appreciate the specs, I'm not a newbie with computers but I haven't messed with them (except for internet use) since I was younger. I'll post more info later.

[jerm1986]

Well I just got done looking at it again. The power switch does nothing, the computer powers up when plugged in (powers up as in the fan turns on, as well as a yellow light under the power button). There are two cables coming from the USB ports in the front that are not connected to anything. The computer made no beeping sounds or anything, just the sound of the fans.