I think I have a bad motherboard, questions

Originally Posted by Joe Wiewel

Well, according to both the LED on the back of the power supply and that page I linked to, the power supply isn't the problem. >_> Not to say it isn't, though. How can I test the power supply specifically?

You will need to plug the power supply in question into another functional computer to see whether that will boot up. If this is not possible, there are PSU diagnostic hardware, but those are expensive and only viable if someone you know owns one. Alternatively, you could purchase/borrow another PSU to see whether that will boot up your system; if it does then the PSU in question is faulty.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Before committing to buying any new hardware, I would test out the PSU so that you are absolutely certain it is the motherboard that is faulty.

As for a new motherboard, I would buy a different model that supports your CPU because $185 is very expensive for a rather old motherboard which ever way you look at it. You will need to find the exact model of your CPU, by using CPU-Z; if it is a socket 478 then I'm presuming it is a Celeron D. Here is an Asus motherboard that supports Celeron D processors, but there are many more. Usually any socket 478 motherboard will do, but please read the detailed specifications then supported processors to see whether Celerons are supported. Before you purchase the motherboard, post the link here so we can check that it is compatiable.

For backing up your data, yes, if you plug in your old HDD and turn it into a slave drive then you will be able to access its contents in your dad's computer. You can then backup the data in whichever way you wish.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Joe Wiewel

Well, I took it to my friend's friend's computer shop and...IT WAS THE POWER SUPPLY. After replacing it with a new one, my computer turns on just fine. Thanks for that! I could have made a BAD mistake.

Glad to hear it. I'll answer the following questions anyways; it's good to know.

Originally Posted by Joe Wiewel

Thanks for clearing me up on processor/motherboard compatibility. Now I know what "socket xxx" means - it's just the pin arrangement when putting a processor in a motherboard, correct?

Yes!

Originally Posted by Joe Wiewel

I believe my memory ran at 266Hz. Would my memory work in a motherboard that supports something higher, such 333Hz or 400Hz, but the vendor doesn't say anything about lower frequencies?

Yes, when motherboards say "400MHz", they mean up to 400MHz so slower RAM, i.e. 333MHz and 266MHz will be fine.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.