Can't get my board to post - has it failed?

[SunTzu69]

My system was up a few weeks ago, but I was having issues with random game crashes. I tried all of the basics including a Windows reinstall/format, update drivers, etc. to no avail. Memtest passed on both sticks without problems, and so did Prime95.

So I took the rig apart, and rebuilt it completely. Now I can't get it to post. Here is what I have tried:

- replaced my mobile cpu with a Sempron 64, newly purchased
- new PSU - Blue Storm from Fortron
- switched out my Ram with two other OCZ sticks, one at a time in different slots.
- tried a new ATI video card
- reset my CMOS with the jumper, battery, and did the 24hr thing.

No luck. When I tried the Sempron 64, at least once in a while (every 3 boot-ups or so) I get a black screen following a "no signal". The signal is there, but the screen is black. With my mobile, I would always get a "no signal", sometimes it would give a signal for a fraction of a second on the odd boot, but then the signal was lost quickly.

What do I try next guys? I should note that my DFI bios is from October 2004, one of the first versions to properly boot mobiles. Should my Sempron 64 boot correctly with this bios?

[wowza]

Oh boy, that doesn't sound good.. I'm not shure about the bios (not an AMD guru :( )
Though if you eventually have to RMA it, I RMAed with DFI before, really fast, with the RMA and worked out great. They do require you to have your org. reciept from a retail store. I actually bought my board off of ebay, but thankfully the seller had the org. sales reciept. I'm not shure on the warranty, but their lengthy, and the repair didn't cost me a cent, shipping did of course.

[Daveb2012]

Of course MB is bad. Think about it you isolated the problem, and singled out every piece of hardware besides it. I would just get another Nf3 board off ebay they are probably dirt cheap on their, just to hold you over. In the mean time inspect the MB closely I would say 1/3 mbs that are bad have some sort of visual sign.

do you see any of this:
http://blog.sarcaza.com/hello/28/1277/1024/blown-capacitor-close-up1.jpg

[SunTzu69]

Thanks guys,

No there is no visual damage at all. I feel more confident getting a new MB now as you all seem confident that it should resolve the issue.

[Jarrod1937]

sounds almost as if your northbridge is overheating. i would check to make sure everything is fine with the hsf of the northbridge, if that doesn't fix it gte a new mobo.

[SunTzu69]

I made sure the Northbridge was properly cooled. Is a bios hotflash something that you guys would suggest trying to recover the board? Or too dangerous considering the chances that it might revive it?

Thanks

[Jarrod1937]

why not try bios flash, i don't consider it to be dangerous at all, worse comes to worse just restore the backedup bios.

[SunTzu69]

why not try bios flash, i don't consider it to be dangerous at all, worse comes to worse just restore the backedup bios.

I would have to do a hotflash - I haven't decided if I am prepared to take the risk or not.. :(