Dry joints and other questions.

[The_YongGrand]

Hi there,

I have a Sempron 2500+ computer lying around, with a MSI K8MM-V board (that cool thing supports Turion but don't know where on earth I could find one!!), 512MB RAM and also a Geforce FX5200 video card.

Yes - it isn't the best computer lying - it is my bro's rig for homeworks, but since he's graduating already, he is giving it to me instead and that thing is lying around doing nothing.

However, one question:

1.) I really detest touching the board - the RAM slots is LOOSE. I repeat - LOOSE. I remembered even moving the wires attached to the board causing that comp to beep incessently, and an hour of readjusting the RAM slots is a real nightmare. Is my board suffering from dry joints, or must I take out the board and knock the RAM slots with the screwdriver's handle? Well, my board's already out of this warranty period and there's nothing I can do to return it except buying a new one. Any ideas?

2.) I want to turn this PC into HTPC - is it okay with that kind of configuration? I only need a DVD player, and what kind of resolution will be comfortable for TV viewing? :D

3.) Are Turions 754 still in the market? They are cool stuff, but couldn't find it in the markets.

[minsonngo]

Are your sure the board supports the AMD Turion processors?

You can find some here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2+50001028+40000343+1050715567&name=Turion+64



EDIT: Your right... is does support the Turions: http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=prodcpusupport&prod_no=173&maincat_no=1#menu



And... you need a good TV tuner too... I recommend the Hauppauge tuners... I have the WinTV-PVR-150 MCE version in my HTPC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%2050001772&bop=And&Order=REVIEWS

[flanzig1]

Sounds like the mobo has a lot of cold or broken solder connections for the ram sockets and power plugs. Since motherboards are multilayer, they are basicly impossible to resolder connections since there may be multiple contact points for each solder point visable on the surface of the board.

[The_YongGrand]

I wasn't thinking of resoldering it at all, but maybe that board is slightly sagging. I have to take out that board and push and realign those slots much harder. :D