So I'm trying to get this computer prepared to get to a customer on Friday and as I'm building it I do my normal tests. Early on, I notice that it seems to be shorting out for some reason. I just plug the 24 power connector and the CPU fan in to test its ability to boot and it starts and then stops and starts and stops a few more times on its own. I kill the power. I then plug in the CPU 4 pin and now it starts, stops, starts and proceeds to boot. I know something isn't right here but what is it? I took the Mobo out of the case and ran it with two separate PSUs. Everything is the same. I realize that probably means Mobo problems but I NEED to get this thing to the customer by Friday except that I don't want to sell a lemon. Is this just idiosyncratic of the Mobo or imminent failure? I've got to make a quick decision. HELP!

You can't sell junk. Your only choice is to tell the customer of the faulty computer and ask then what they wish to do. I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

I'm with Jefro, you have to tell the customer. RMA the board and get another. I have good friends in the furniture business and honesty and good communication are your number one tools for customer satisfaction. I for one would rather get a call that the computer will be delayed then get a faulty computer home which I'll have to return and be none to pleased if I found out the store knew there were potential problems with the board and sold it to me anyway. Asus P5N-E SLI Intel Dual Core E6750 2.66Ghz Asus EN8600GTS 256Meg 2 gig Crucial 800Mhz DDR2 WD 320 gig SATA 2 Lite On 20x20 DVD-RW CoolerMaster Mystique case w/500 watt PSU Views

This is one of the major problems of being a small business owner. Not enough capital to keep on hand inventory. This is why I no longer sell computers.

the cpu 4 pin must be plugged in.

wizard fred is correct. I buy my computers from a local fellow who is literally a millionaire several times over. He's completely liquid and buys his parts in bulk and has lots on hand. In fact his motto is "'We have to order it' is not in our vocabulary". Asus P5N-E SLI Intel Dual Core E6750 2.66Ghz Asus EN8600GTS 256Meg 2 gig Crucial 800Mhz DDR2 WD 320 gig SATA 2 Lite On 20x20 DVD-RW CoolerMaster Mystique case w/500 watt PSU

I'm just a one man show working out of my basement and often times even one bad part consumes my profit completely. In this case, it turned out to be a bad board and a bad processor. It takes so long to figure out what the problem is and I'm wondering how much more effort I can afford to put into this aspect of what I do. Thanks for all of your comments. I appreciate your help.