We suffered the 'emachines breakdown', both the power supply and motherboard.  Trying to 'not pay for a new computer'.  Have upgraded to a better power supply, but need info on a motherboard.  Do we simply need to BUY the same Imperial 2003-----or is there a better item for the same money?  How do we compare different COMPANIES #s, to find a suitable replacement?Replacing a motherboard is a tricky business. If the chip sets don't match, then your hard disk won't boot and you'll have no option but to re-install windows. You also need to make sure that your CPU, RAM and video card will fit into your new board and also that your new board will fit into your case.

Take a look at your existing board, can you see a SERIAL number, also what is printed on the large chips? Do you know your CPU socket size?nealf,

nickc1976 pretty much summed it up. i would actually suggest to take it to a tech, unless you are comfortable with removing your CPU and correctly PLUGGING in all of the connectors GOING into the motherboard.And some machines (Dell's in particular) have different layouts than "build your own" so the slots, I/O connectors will not line up and it will never work correctly, if at all.

I would never support getting another known defcective product like an eMachine special. I agree it may be time for the Geek Squad or some other tech. to do the surgery.