Is this a bad motherboard?

I attempted to install more RAM in my PC today. When I rebooted there was a beep every few seconds and it would not boot. The power button does not even respond. I called Acer support and I was told that it may be a bad hard drive however they can't offer much help since the warranty is expired. My best guess is a bios and/or motherboard problem. Is there anyway to find out for sure what the problem is? I have tried to look around for a replacement motherboard and there dont't seem to be any. It is an Acer Aspire E380.

 

Make sure that your new RAM chip(s) is fully seated in its slot.
I had a similar problem once and reseating the RAM cleared the problem.

 

If your PC worked fine before you installed more Memory = memory problem!

Might be compatibility problem or not correctly seated.

Remove the newly added stuff & see if you can boot

You might need to reset your CMOS after no boot condition

 

The new ram had been removed and still got the same result. I am not familiar with resetting the CMOS. Could you tell me more about that?

 

This is a quote I copied from another website that tells you all I know better than I could tell you mysef

Find the "Clear CMOS" or "Reset CMOS" Jumper.

There will be one jumper(or dip) called "CMOS" or "Clear CMOS." This switch will allow you to erase ALL the settings on the motherboard and set them to the original manufacturer's default settings. This switch has two values "Clear" and "Normal." In typical use the switch should always be set to "Normal." To reset the motherboard, you set the switch to "Clear" turn the PC on, let it boot-up, turn it off, put the switch back to "Normal" and turn the PC back on. Then re-enter BIOS and configure it.

I have looked a four different motherboard manuals. The placement of the CMOS jumper varies, but it is always a low number like JP2 or JP4. If your lucky it will be marked "CMOS" or "CLEAR CMOS." Look for one that has three prongs. If it has two, four or more it's probably not the CMOS reset.

All of the motherboards I have seen have pin 1 and 2 connected for normal use, 2 and 3 connected to clear the CMOS.

Try and download the manual for the motherboard from the Internet for the specifics, without it you may have to experiment for a while.

When you find the CMOS switch:

1. Set it to "reset" or "clear"
2. Turn the PC on, and let it boot.
3. Turn the PC off.
4. Put the switch back to "normal"
5. Boot up again and enter BIOS.

 

Are you absolutely sure the memory is fully seated? It can take nearly 30 lbs of pressure to install RAM. If you have a 3-year old, you know how much 30 lbs weigh...

We know your old memory is good, because your computer used to work. Install the old RAM again, and when you do, make sure the memory goes all the way into the slots. Once it is in there all the way, give it another push downwards, for good measure. If the computer boots just fine with the old RAM, then try again with the upgrades.

 

I reset the CMOS jumper and the old ram is fully seated. The pc went dead completely and I replaced the power supply. With the new power supply I am still getting a steady long beeping pattern and the pc will not boot. What else could the problem be?

 

Give us the timing of the beeps - IS IT ONE - ONE -ONE, ONE-TWO -ONE , ONE, ONE, TWO ?
As the others said, after a memory upgrade, and a problem shows,reset cmos, or, if it beeps, the code of the beeps will help us to help you.
Also when you go into the base unit, you can, accidently move/loosen a connection.
Check ALL leads.

 

Its 1-1-1 repeated beep pattern. No change in length of beeps or the pattern and it does not stop. I can hear that my DVD drive runs and the fan on the back of the box runs. I went through the CMOS reset twice with no change. The old RAM is seated correctly, the new RAM has been removed. All the connections appear to be in place as they were before.

Could it be the CPU?

 

I would agree with the others, that it is a memory problem - I have to go off-line, but plenty of help at majorgeeks - I have not had time to look up your bios (AMI, Phonix, or, what - Have a look here - good luck
http://bioscentral.com/beepcodes/amibeep.htm

 

On some boards the cpu fan connector is really close to the ram snap holders, check to see if you accidentally unhooked your cpu fan or bumped the heatsink out of place. Is the fan on the processor running?

 

The CPU fan will only run for a few seconds when the PC is turned on. The CPU fan seems in place and tight. According to online test results that I ran previously, the BIOS is Phoenix v6.00 and an Acer EM61SM/EM61PM motherboard. I have been checking online to see what beep codes mean and I cant find a match for this. The beep pattern does not seem to stop until I turn off the power supply.

 

Well if the Cpu Fan is stopping there are your beep codes. Most modern Mobo's will monitor the cpu fan and shut down the pc if it stops to protect the cpu from burning out. Go to your local PC shop and by a replacement fan for the heatsink, you might want to take the old one in so you get the right size. They're usually held to the sink fins with 2 to 4 screws. Also get a can of compressed air to blow out the fins before putting the new fan on. If the new fan fails the same way, your looking at motherboard failure.

One other thing I just thought of, just cause the cpu fan is on and tight doesn't mean one of the three pins didn't break away from the board. Pull the connector and make sure all three are there and none of them wiggle (bad solder joint).

This could be your scenario, you went to install new ram, when pressing the ram into position the mobo bent too much and caused a hairline crack in the board. Once that happened nothing you can do will fix the problem short of jumping out all connections across the crack with little wires. I have a few boards that were poorly designed in this manner, and when I go to lock in the ram and I notice the lack of support under the board, I quickly stop and support the board with one hands fingers under the edge while I press the ram in with the other hand. If not for that move, I would probably have a cracked board myself.

 

If you have not solved your problem, I suggest you go back to basics--
DISCONNECT ANY USB PERIPHIALS (PRINTER/SCANNER)
Disconnect ide, and power leads to cd/dvd rom,
Remove ram
Disconnect hard drive, ide/sata, and its power lead.
Remove cpu heatsink, and fan.
All you should connect are
1/ psu
2/power lead, and multiconnector to motherboard
3/Clean top face of CPU, to allow for new paste (I use artic silver, spread thinly with an old credit card)
4/ reseat cpu heatsink , fit heatsink fan,
5/ fit 1 stick of ram
6/ Only connect pw , and reset leads .
Then start the pc.
Any beep codes, then will help to see if motherboard is iffy, or, ram.