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From:  Bob Blick <bobblick@ftml.net> 
To:  Microcontroller discussion list - Public. <piclist@mit.edu> 
MIME-Version:  1.0 
Subject:  Re: [TECH] PC motherboard help/suggestions - And the story goes on :( 
Date:  Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:53:01 -0700 
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On Sun, Apr 15, 2012, at 09:25 AM, Carl Denk wrote:
> Ordered a Supermicro C2-SBC-Q motherboard from Provantage, installed it, 
> powered up expecting a nice splash screen on the monitor - NOTHING. 
> Twice now have switched the P4 and memory between the new board and 
> intermittent Intel board with same results. Intel powers up and runs 
> Linux at least for an hour. The new board powers up the CPU fan, but 
> even with only the power connected, an no memory or other things plugged 
> in, not one beep. Did swap PSU's also. Checked with supermicro techies, 
> they agree it's a MB problem, offered to RMA it. I'm going to try to 
> return it to Provantage for refund. In 2 weeks will be in Atlanta at 
> daughter's near Fry's store. Might take computer along and buy a MB 
> there, maybe even let them install it.
> 
> I have very seriously thought if it's something I'm doing, but seems to 
> be either very poor products, or a very unusual situation of quality 
> control gamble.

Sounds to me like the CPU is not exactly the type that the motherboard
was tested for. Just because it says on the box doesn't mean it's one
that has been tested to work.

> All these motherboards show some bare copper on the bottom with small 
> vias not filled holes, I still question is that is a a quality wave 
> soldering job, and if I can look at the board before accepting, a reason 
> to reject??  The Intel boards have no components on the bottom, the 
> supermicro has some small surface mount mainly under the CPU.

No solder on vias isn't a problem.

> The older Intel boards were made in Ireland and bulletproof. The later 
> Intel boards I have and the Supermicro were all from China. I would 
> prefer USA made, but not likely I will find that. Trying hard to stay 
> away from China totally. Any suggestions?

China is where high-tech manufacturing is done. That's just the way it
is. The reasons are beyond the scope of this discussion.

Have you considered changing your specifications and buying a ready-made
computer with a warranty? I gave up building computers several years ago
and I don't miss it. Sure, I don't have a parallel port, but I don't
really need one. The one printer I needed one for uses a JetDirect box
and hooks to ethernet.

Best regards,

Bob

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