Motherboard Problem or CPU?

[Fackard]

I built my own computer several years ago, back when I was knowledgeable about computers. Recently my computer had a problem where it would randomly restart in the middle of being used. I assumed it was a memory problem so I added some more. It stopped for a little while, but then it did it started again. Then it would have trouble booting up and never make it past the memory checking screen. It gradually got worse and worse and now the thing won't start at all.

This is what happens when I turn it on: All of the fans go (so the power supply works), the motherboard and all of the drives sound like they're turning on, the CD-ROM drive light continually blinks and it sounds like the CD is reading something, but it just keeps doing that and there is never any display.

Now, I'm not sure exactly if this is a motherboard problem. I thought it could possibly be the CPU, but I'm not sure how to tell if a CPU is bad. If anybody has any input or knows any tests I can do to figure out for sure, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[ktkendall]

It actually does sound like a memory problem, which if you really did do exactly as you stated then you really never solved the original problem if all you did was add memory but did not remove or replace the defective memory chip. If this is truly the case then take out the original memory chip and leave just the newer one you bought and see if that helps. If thats not the case than you are correct in that it is probably mobo or cpu and you really need a spare cpu to test with, so thats why at this point unless you have some spare known good parts, (cpu, mobo, memory, vid card etc.) then take it to repair shop so they can at least diagnose for U.

[glc]

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409