I have 2 defective Intel DP965_LT mother boards with issues:

#1 doesn't recognize the floppy port. I have swapped cables, drives, and=20
disks which were OK in another computer. Otherwise the board seems to be=20
normal.

#2 Doesn't boot, when powered ON, the fan kicks a fraction of a=20
revolution, and the on board LED stays lit, otherwise no other activity.
     a: This is with or without any other items, cables plugged in.
     b: PSU, Memory and CPU have been swapped to the other board, and=20
are  OK.
     c: Was operating OK, was swapping pieces troubleshooting floppy=20
issue, quit all together.
     d: Am careful about static discharge issues. Have not been an issue=20
generally, but don't discount entirely.
     e: 8 months ago, Intel replaced one of the board for same no boot=20
issue.
     f: I would assume the board was wave soldered originally. On the=20
bottom side, there are large areas of bare copper showing with open=20
vias, and even some SMD pads that are copper showing. I'm assuming this=20
is a defect, and possibly a via broke. Is there any repair I could do=20
that might help?? I am good at soldering, but haven't got into SMD yet.=20
One thought I have is lightly polish the copper with a fine nylon pad,=20
coat with a non-acid flux, heat with a heat gun, and dab with solder=20
each point to flow. Maybe use a soldering iron.

I'm hoping Intel will warrant at least one board, but that will take 2=20
weeks to see the replacement. I see on line these boards for $50=20
refurbished. I'm assuming these are mainly boards returned to Intel,=20
refurbished by Intel or sold and then refurbished. Would be nice to know=20
where that happens. I'm thinking there are very common defects in this=20
family of boards, and if you know what it is, it's an easy fix. Ever=20
since Intel moved these board fabs from Ireland to China, the quality=20
went downhill.

I am thinking of going to some other manufacturer for replacement=20
boards, but cost is an issue. Here is some of the basic specs:

Intel P4, Socket LGA775, 3.1G, dual CPU
800 MHZ buss
4 DDR2 slots (2 would be OK)
1 PCIE-16 video
3 PCI
3 PCIE-1
4 USB onboard
6 USB rear
1 DB-25 printer
1 RS-232 onboard
1 Floppy port

I wouldn't mind the cost of the basic board, but most seem to have more=20
up to date CPU and memory, and that cost goes up considerably. Yes,=20
these are heavily equipped boards, but I use much of it. Seems the trend=20
is away from these type boards.

Any comments, in particular of repair, refurbishing, replacement or=20
whatever greatly appreciated.


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