haha, thanks so much for the help, it's better to have more heads than one, esp if I was doing something stupid...
alright, tested other cpu in it, no change, same stuff.
couple of questions before I call it a night and test the video card and monitor in someone else's computer (if I can) tomorrow:
1) anyone who's got the 8rda+, does it beep when it posts? I THINK I hear a beep, but it could be wishful thinking...
2) the ys tech fan I hvae on the heatsink, should it be PULLING air away or blowing are ONTO the heatsink??
almost bed time for now...