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Resolved Question

Acer Motherboard Problem

Mar 17, 2014 5:05AM PDT

The motherboard in our home/office computer is failing and I need either replace the whole computer or fix this one. The problem the computer won't start unless the power cord is disconnected for a few seconds and then it starts normal and will run all day with no problems. I replaced the PSU but the problem is the same. I'm down to believing the motherboard is the problem.
My questions are whether to replace only the MOBO or replace the APU and mobo and what mobo/APU would you suggest?
I'd like to do this on the cheap as the computer could be replaced with another one from any big box store for not much but I also don't mind spending what it takes , in reason, to do it right.

This is an Acer X3400G Slim Micro ATX
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 255
Acer Micro ATX MOBO (9 1/2" X 8") with Nvidia GeForce 9200
Budget: $50.00 to $150.00.

Mostly used for Email, Facebook Microsoft Office and light gaming.

Discussion is locked

s_b2013 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I see no APU
Mar 17, 2014 5:16AM PDT

I see a CPU and a board with onboard GPU but no APU.

Also this is a Acer x3400g PC so that can mean that if we slip in some other than motherboard for the Acer x3400g the OS will fail and need to be re-installed. As Windows is tied to this board we are also in for a penny, in for the pound area as we have to get a new Windows license.

The Windows OS alone runs on average 99 bucks so that leave us less than 50 bucks for the motherboard and then unsure that's the cause.

A shop counter fee runs about 150 here with no parts so that's a dead end.

Frankly I'd use it till it expires.
Bob

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Correct. CPU not APU
Mar 17, 2014 5:42AM PDT

Thanks Bob for the quick reply! I have been looking @ AMD FM2 Processors for another computer and had APU on the brain. Also I thought I'd be needing a new OS and didn't think to include it in the budget as well. I've seen Acer motherboards for the x3400g on ebay. If I used one of these would the original OS still work?

I agree with you on using it until expires and will probably do just that but I think where I'm going here is building a new computer with the existing case and parts. I have just replaced the PSU and DVD drive and the 1 TB HDD is still working well. So my thought was that I could rebuild for a little less than replacing and end up with a better one with better quality parts.
Steve

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In theory yes.
Mar 17, 2014 5:55AM PDT

The budget is too low for me to start discussing motherboards and such.
Bob

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Thanks
Mar 17, 2014 6:43AM PDT

Thanks for the response.

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PS. Even at 150ish
Mar 17, 2014 7:32AM PDT

There are ChromeBooks that can stand in for many things we do on a PC. If it fails altogether, well, at that budget level, there is a way.

Also, there are outdated PCs on ebya, cragslist and such.
Bob

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Probably sticking with a desktop.
Mar 18, 2014 10:55PM PDT

Thanks Bob for the suggestion on a stand-in idea. We do have a newer laptop to use in the event of a complete melt down. I really think I will probably end up getting a new mother board and reusing my AMD Athlon II X2 255 if at all possible. Maybe something like an Asus M4A78LT-M for around $50.00? If I can go that route along with the new OS I'll be around $150.00

If that motherboard and CPU combination won't work then maybe something like a AMD A6-6400K CPU for around $60.00 along with a MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 motherboard for around $60.00. If that combination will work then I'd be around $120.00 plus the OS will make it around $220.00.
As the DVD drive and PSU were replaced a month or two ago and the HDD seems to still be working good, I should be OK. I think?
I know this is over what I stated as my original budget but once I realized I needed a new OS I took that into consideration. I'm just trying to stay away from another big box store computer.

Again, I really do appreciate your help.
Steve

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All good choices.
Mar 19, 2014 2:11AM PDT

The APU combinations do make for nice graphic intensive desktops for cheap. Did you try ebay for another same model PC? Then you can steal it's mainboard or move into that case?
Bob

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Good Idea!
Mar 19, 2014 3:49AM PDT

Thanks again Bob!!! No I didn't even think about snagging a second hand one. While I'm waiting for the Aspire to expire I be searching for a spare parts machine.

Thanks,
Steve