I am working on my son's computer (emachine..they suck!!) T3124. When you power up the computer all that is running is the fans. Nothing starts up "OS." I switched power suppies and still same results (I didn't think it would matter but I tried). Does it sound more like the MB then the HD?

I switched power suppies and still same results (I didn't think it would matter but I tried)

A good try too as it does sound like a power problem. But since the supply is good, then it does point to the motherboard. Are there any beeps? You might try unplugging everything not needed - drives, USB devices, all but 1 RAM stick, and boot and see what happens. You should see on the monitor the POST (power on self test) then it should freeze when it seeks out a boot drive and can't find one.

As for eMachines - well, you get what you pay for.

I agree, they are one of the worst computers to buy but, it my son's and is all he can afford. The computer will not even boot up. The only thing that happens is just the fans running. The computer don't even it make to the POST.

I agree, they are one of the worst computers to buy but, it my son's and is all he can afford.

I understand completely.

The fans spinning only means they are getting 12V. The motherboard also needs 5V and 3.3V. Since you tried another supply, and assuming all the connections are secure, and you disconnected everything not needed, then it does look like (at least) the motherboard. Sadly, if there was a catastrophic fault with the motherboard, it could have taken out the CPU and RAM too.

Any chance this is still under warranty?

I highly doubt bud. It is over 4 years old. I didn't unconnect anything as far as usb's and stuff that are plugged into the MB. It only has one dvd drive, one HD. No floppy drive.

Just Unplug the connectors on back of DVD and Hardrive, (After marking them, be sure to follow proper electrostatic discharge procedure before opening case) See if it will post into bios after those are disconnected by pressing the appropriate key to post into bios for emachine. I think it is DEL , or F 2 for emachine. If it still won't post, Do as Digerati stated and pull all but one ram stick. If still no boot to bios, Swap out that one stick left inside with one of the ones that were pulled and try again.

Or Just pull what components you can save from the desktop (Like DVD and Hardrive and ram) and look into replacing it with a used IBM Desktop.

eBay ? Desktop PCs and items on eBay.com. Find IT on eBay.

I unplugged the DVD/HD and took at the memory (one stick it all it had). The only thing that works is the led-blue light for the power button and the fans. It will not even boot to BIOS. I would say the MB is damaged. Would you guys agree or what else could it be? Thanks guys.

Here is what I am thinking...I should be able to use the PS 350Watts/HD/DVD and case (emachine) and just replace the MB/CPU/Memory. Here is what I will buy to put into the case....

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR COMBO 6P2 AMD Sepron 3400+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX Motherboard/CPU Combo - Motherboard / CPU / VGA Combo

or this (the emachine now has socket 754 and I can use the old cooler so I don't need one)

Newegg.com - ECS GOAL3+ATHLON64 3200+ AMD Athlon64 3200+ 754 SiS 761 GX Micro ATX Motherboard/CPU/Memory Combo - Motherboard / CPU / VGA Combo

Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 333 (PC 2700) Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

The MB above comes with one stick of PC2700 (512) so I would just buy one to give them 1gb of memory. Now, I don't know what brand comes the that MB but, brand don't matter right as long as the speed is the same?


My thoughts are ....the first pair I posted is much better MB/CPU and is very cheap and affordable for my son. Let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks guys.

Given what you've tried so far:

1. different PS (known to be good)
2. all connections secure
3. bare bones boot (CPU, one RAM, and video only)

it looks like the MOBO.

Ensure any RAM you purchase is mobo compatable, as well as compatable with existing RAM.

Would you guys agree or what else could it be?

A destroyed CPU. But if 4 years old, you should be looking at a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM, and move closer to newer technology anyway. Make sure you have enough power supply to support the new hardware. Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom of the page. I recommend setting Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. If not listed, check a comparable card (same graphics engine and RAM) from a different maker. The key specifications, in order of importance are:

1. Current (amperage or amps) on the +12V rail,
2. Efficiency,
3. Total wattage.

Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).