How do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?

It's a Dell Demension 2400 and I brought it to a local computer shop, they told me it's quirky and 400.00 to replace the motherboard. They installed a new power supply a week ago and I haven't had a problem until now. Now it doesnt turn on sometimes and It won't boot WINDOWS XP if it does turn on. Can this really be a motherboard problem? It just locks up almost right after startup. What r the chances it is a motherboard? How much can expect to spend on this repair? Who can you really trust with this kind of problem? I live in Sussex County, NJ in the US. Help me if you can, Thanks.....EdHow do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?Of course it can be something else.. Power supply, CPU, hard drive, etc.



by the way, for $200 - $300 you could buy another Dell Dimension 2400 off ebay.. I don't think it's worth trying to fix, unless you have the know how to do it yourself cheaply..How do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?
The Dell Dimension 2400 series has a very cheap system. The best thing to do is to look on eBay for a new system at a great price. You will spend more on the motherboard than buying a new Dell Dimension 2400. Since you have a hard drive and all your other accessories from your older computer you will not have to look for anything fancy. Or you can upgrade to a better system like the Dell Dimension 8400 or anything above the 8000 range. The prices are really cheap and the systems work great.How do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?If it's a Dell, it's probably bad. I have known so many people who've had Dell computers only to have problems with them. Depending on when you bought it, the computer may be under the manufacturers warranty. You might check Dell's web site to see if the warranty is still valid. You will have to have proof of purchase to get them (Dell) to fix it. Most warranties for large purchases are good for 12 months. You may have to fight for them to repair it, but just be persistent if it's still under warranty.How do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?
you can try going to dell.com support and putting in the servicetag number. go under the download section and download the system bios update. follow the instructions and update the system bios. remember not to shut if off why the update is running until it restarts itself. see if this helps.How do you really know if a motherboard on a Dell desktop computer is bad or can it be something else?First you could try a few tests. If you know anyone who knows a bit about the mechanical layout of pcs, ask for some guidance. Default the bios and try to start up. If this fails try first of all disconnecting the drives, see how far the boot screens go. If this looks quite OK, connect a cdrom or dvd and try a boot cd (Windows OS or something). Try starting it using a jumper with the power switch unplugged (at sticky switch can cause this, it just does not release correctly after you press it). This way you may spot another cause. If your helper is fairly good, try taking the cpu fan off and re-applying some heat paste to it. (Not such a long shot) Remove and refit the ram cards. If any of this has no result, find a board, they are not that pricy. Follow the instructions to fit one yourself. (saving maybe around 300.00). If you go this route, remember to heat paste the cpu again.