Okay here is the problem.. I started my desktop (HP Pavalion a6300f) the other day and it did not load. It started to make one short beep and then one long one. so I went to the computer shop and he told me I had to upgrade my RAM memory. So I did and still nothing, so I took my CPU to him and he did some test while I went to work. I came back and he told me I needed to buy a new motherboard. Is this true? Is their anything I can try first? If I have to buy a new motherboard where can I buy one and which one's are compatibly with my system. I know it is a lot of questions but I am lost. Thank-you for any advice that is given in advance. If I need a new motherboard what is a good site to find out what is compatible with my computer. Thanks!!
Hello and welcome to the CH forum.
The HP Pavilion a6300f is generally a good mainstream computer. But they do go bad. If you buy this computer and?
The reason I ASKED is because this MODEL is available as a refurbished computer and comes with a one-year warranty. So if you recently bought a good may still be under warranty. But if you are the original owner, I am SURE it's beyond the warranty now.
Here is my first reaction. Do not put your trust in that particular computer repair man. You have already lost more RAM for the machine and it did not solve the problem and now he's telling you to get a new motherboard. You're GOING to get deeper in and deeper into trouble by dealing with someone they cannot correctly identify your problem.
Here is the procedure I would recommend for an average user to troubleshoot this machine.
Number 1. Beg or Buy the installation disk for this computer. The generic HP windows XP install disc is good ENOUGH for some diagnostics.
Number 2. Go get a good hard drive that will work in this computer. I believe that any IDE hard drive made in the past few years will work on this model.
Number 3. try to install windows XP on 2 New Dr. Of course, you have to have the old drive disconnected. And also any other peripherals and things that you have added to the original machine. Including the video card, if it is not the card that came with the computer.
For the average shooters this is the easiest way to do good diagnostic of a motherboard that appears to be defective but is able to boot the CD drive and is able to identify the hard drive. Expect this to be a four hour test. If it takes longer than that to install Windows XP on a good hard drive, this would likely indicate some kind of problem with the motherboard.

And there other possibilities, but do not be hasty to go out and buy a motherboard. Unless you like to waste money.