Old motherboard dying?

[chat1410]

This computer is quite old (2002?). I started having issues with it's PCI NIC, so I swapped it with a brand new one. The issue was that the computer would intermittently see the card. With the new card, the computer sees it but after a day or two, the card "locks up". The status lights don't blink, the port on the switch that the NIC connects to doesn't illuminate, basically the computer stops talking to the NIC. The fix is to unplug the power from the unit and wait ~30 seconds (so all the capacitors drain). I'm suspecting a dying motherboard, as I don't want to buy a new computer right now, I'm pondering building a switch which physically disconnects the power from the unit. Ideally it'd be some sort of relay that will stay connected as long as there's a level of current flowing, and disconnect below some threshold (almost like a GFI on a power washer). This would allow my parents to turn on the computer with a single button (set BIOS to turn on after power loss). If such a device exists, I doubt it is cheap. Therefore I may just use a normal light switch, which adds complexity on my parents' side. Questions, thoughts, comments on anything I said?

 

[ad356]

might be time to think about upgrading anyways. 2002 is quite old, that makes the computer 6 years old. if your power supply and case are decent you can reuse some of the components.

 

[magichater]

Hiya,

Might me easier just to replace the entire base unit, only my personal view.

 

[Dystopia]

yes, that mobo might be dying on you. If you live in the usa or in canada, try newegg for a new one.