Is this mobo fixable?

[Valaire]

I have a motherboard that starts for .5 seconds then shuts down. Through other means, I've confirmed that it is not the PSU and it is not the HSF/CPU.

I have the system set up barebones outside the case, and I've discovered something interesting and would like to know what it means regarding the circuitry.

When I short the power switch pins, it does the same thing -- turns on for .5 seconds. This is by temporarily touching the two pins. However, when I take the screwdriver and fiddle it against the pins vigorously, the computer will consistently start after about 5 seconds of this and two failed starts.

When the computer is running, it is 100% stable and will stay on for hours.

What does this mean, and is it something I could possibly fix without replacing motherboard components? Or am I stuck replacing the entire thing?

 

[cprince]

you might be able to resolder the bad connection. It worth a try considering the alternative is to replace the MB.

 

[Valaire]

I have absolutely no experience with soldering. :/ I'm guessing I'm SOL since I don't have expertise in that area. Can't really wait for the RMA so going to have to buy a new board off newegg.

 

[PM650]

When you say that the psu is not the problem, did you determine this by trying another psu with this mobo, or by trying this psu with another mobo? There is a bit of a crude hand-shaking procedure between the psu and mobo where the psu will raise the gray wire to 5V after the psu has powered on & the voltages stabilized - I am wondering if the psu is dropping out 0.5s after this or if it is another problem. If you haven't tried another psu with this mobo, I would suggest it (even if this psu works fine with another mobo).

 

[Valaire]

I actually replaced the PSU as a precaution and am using a new PSU with it with the same symptoms.

 

[Billb2]

It's the power switch on the PC.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Are the pins on the mb corroded/discolored? If so, use a pencil eraser to clean them up.

If it is a cracked solder joint where the pin is connected to the mb, you likely don't even really have to solder at all, just re-melt the existing solder and don't touch the pins till they cool. You can probably pick up a cheap 15W iron at someplace like Harbor Freight for less than $5.