Good morning! OK... i have a compaq presario 6000z desktop, that needs a new motherboard (we took it in and had it looked at) as the capacitor is blown (leaking). The computer worked though, prior to the tech opening the case and seeing the capacitor (he immediately shut it saying you need a MB) Well, now when we hooked it back up at home, the tower turns on, but the monitor shows the signal test check cord yaddah, yaddah, message. (i was hoping to use it until i found/afford a new computer) I had a system a few years back that had blown capacitors, and STILL was a workhorse for a year and was still working when I sold it)
Anyway, obviously, I need a MB. WHAT do I need to know to get a compatible MB that I can throw the old cpu, memory etc in and go?? The current system Compaq Presario 6000z P8654E, MX30850894, socket 478/266FSB, micro atx form factor...are the socket and form factor the only 2 things I need to "match" to get a compatible board? I want to get a used MB to keep cost down temp until I can just buy a new system.
sorry for the long windedness, I appreciate any info and help guys!! Thanks again- Mimunkee

Have you thought of the possibility that maybe it is a problem with the graphics card? Is it onboard or an extra card? If you have an extra graphics card lying around you can try it and see if it works. A graphics is definitely cheaper anyways.

You'll need a socket 478 motherboard which is somewhat rare and more expensive these days, and also a DDR1 capable motherboard. Harder to find due to the fact that its technology is a few years old already.

What is your computer usage though? It would be easier to narrow down the motherboards that way. I did a quick search and motherboards that run DDR1 and are using socket 478s are not that easy to find. I'm quite sure more will turn up if you search harder but here's one.

Foxconn

I can help out more if I know your budget and usage though.

Just moving the system and having it opened/closed could simply have jarred a connection inside.

What are the verbatim error messages you get?

"yaddah yaddah" doesn't help us much.

I would suggest opening it up and reseat your graphics card and RAM for starters.

As to replacing the motherboard it is not worth it. When it gets to that point get a new computer.

Trying to upgrade old systems especially proprietary systems (Compaq) is not worth it.

You would need to reinstall your OS unless you can find an identical motherboard and only Compaq would have that board and I doubt that they still have any laying about. Trying to reinstall your operating system on a non Compaq motherboard would be very problematic.

In other words you would need to buy a new operating system as well. As said a new computer is the answer at that point.

Hello-
I have a Compaq Presario 6000z, (P8654E) AMD Athlon XP 2000+. The exact model # is MX30850894. Anyway, it has been being weird for awhile, so I wiped it and gave it a fresh install, to no avail. I then assumed it was a hardware problem, and took it in to a local shop to have it looked at. I was told that he opened the case, and just shut it saying that the motherboard is shot, as there are 4-5 capacitors with that brown crud on them, and it would need replaced.

Well, Ive had this problem before with my last system, and it was a true workhorse for a year after the motherboard started to go, in fact, I sold it cheap to a lady and who knows how much longer it lasted. So, I hooked my current system back up (god forbid being without access to Craigslist, Ebay etc )until i can get a new system and it shows NOTHING on the monitor but the tower is powering up (no beep sound at boot).

Subsequently, I figured A) the tech knocked something loose when inspecting it, or B) the motherboard fried the video card. When I opened the case, I did find a couple loose connections, so i tightened them and tried to boot up again. This time, I actually saw the "COMPAQ" logo etc and then it went dead as I tried to hit F10 to restore. Well, thats as far as Ive gotten (I did try "last know good config" once and it went BLUE AND FROZE after)

The last try, it went as far as starting system restore and appeared to be doin' its thing, then the screen went blank (BLUE AND FROZE AGAIN) and stayed that way until I shut it off. I am confused as to the specs on this computer, as it says it has " video AGP VIA S3 Graphics" but then on the tag on the tower, it states (P8685 Integrated Graphics AMD). When I open the case, I dont see a video card in the brown slot (this is where it would be -correct?) I wanted to try a different AGP video card and see if it was the reason for the display issues etc, as unless I come across someone to let me know what info I need to . .work as a replacement MOBO- for sure, and then find it used at auction or something, ..well, I just cant afford to make mistakes or end up having to spend extra for different parts

So, OBVIOUSLY I'M REALLY UNEDUCATED WHEN IT COMES TO HARDWARE ISSUES, BUT I AM LEARNING However, I really need this system to work again (if possible) until I can afford to get a newer one, as I'm a single mom on disability, and I use it for ebay/craigslist to make extra money Anyone who can give me some other things to try before throwing in the tiowel would be greatly appreciated. As always, you guys are really wonderful to me and I appreciate being able to ask for your help. Thanks again!

Your computer:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/p...&lang=en&cc=us

Specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...t=94004&dlc=en

It was standard with onboard graphics: Video graphics (AGP) VIA S3 graphics

It also has an AGP slot for expansion or upgrade: Total expansion slots (3) PCI (1) AGP 4X (1.5V only)

Your issues do not sound like graphics issues.

If indeed you have multiple capacitors leaking you have a dying motherboard.

Sorry I cannot be more optimistic than my previous post but replacing this motherboard is not really an option.

Well, Ive had this problem before with my last system, and it was a true workhorse for a year after the motherboard started to go, in fact, I sold it cheap to a lady and who knows how much longer it lasted.

That is sad. Well at least you know there are always others poorer than you.