I need to know the absolute MINIMUM things I need to test the motherboard - which I suspect is bad. I've already bought a new PSU and a new CPU. I'm am simply going crazy here for not having a fool- proof method for testing individual components. Any suggestions?

- place the motherboard on a non-metallic surface, such as a piece of cardboard on a table or bench - install the CPU w/HSF - install ONE stick of RAM - install a video card & connect monitor. (if you have onboard video, connect the monitor to that instead) - connect a keyboard - connect a PSU - turn on the power to the PSU & use a screwdriver to momentarily bridge the 2 pins the power switch would connect to. The system should fire up & should be able to access the BIOS....

jam - what about avoiding ESD? i_XpUser

Here's what I do to avoid ESD. (I usually work on an antistatic workbench pad, but..) Lay out the PSU, and plug into the wall. Lay out the motherboard on it's factory packaging, which IS antistatic Install the RAM and CPU, heat sink. As you "approach" the motherboard with the RAM or CPU, lay a free part of your hand or wrist onto the edge of the motherboard packaging--which the motherboard is laying on. Additionally, lay your wrist across one of the metal shields for the rear connectors--the PS/2, printer, serial ports. These are connected to the main ground bus on the board. Hook up the monitor and the keyboard. It doesn't hurt to touch the shell of the monitor to the same ground shell as above. If the monitor is connected to power, it will be "grounded" Additionally, I use a power strip to connect the monitor and PSU, so that I get the benefit of ground, but am able to switch off the power "just in case." Last, gently lift the motherboard up, while grasping the rear connector shields, and remove the packaging underneath. Some of this packaging is "semi conductive" enough that it will cause shorts under the PC board. I ALWAYS do this before installing a new board into a case, or even swapping a used board into a different case.

Personally, I have never taken any type of deliberate ESD precautions other than not working while wearing silk PJs...lol. I do use a power strip though & 99% of my work is done in the basement while standing on a concrete floor...but I don't wear a strap or deliberately "touch this before touching that"

Huh jam my message about ESD wasn't meant for you. You've been tweaking with electronics for years and you without doubts are ESD-proofed by now :-) i_XpUser

While I think ESD is largely overblown in some cases, I was assuming the "average guy", working in a bedroom/living room, quite probably on carpet, with typical desktop materials, all of which (including clothing) are HORRIBLY able to generate static. I would think a nice, "damp" basement would be the very BEST in "unprotected" situation. My normal workspace is a suplus "antistatic" workbench--that is, the workbench top itself is treated, with a surplus antistatic mat on top. Both have snap connectors for static straps. Additionally, mine is also in the basement, and although finished, holds much higher humidity in this area, that the dry upstairs. Sometimes just reaching for an upstairs doorknob actually hurts.