[qpaulina42]

I don't see one at all. Perhaps I have a 8 pin one, or maybe mine is soldered into the PCB? Also, we removed the processors in trying to look at part of the motherboard, and the part with the needles came up with the metal thin on top, rather than stay put, so now I have to figure out how to put it back together. omg, never let other people work on your computer!

[frankjohn]

Might think about getting new motherboard

[Triple6]

If you get a new board then it'd have to be a replacement Dell board otherwise it will no longer be a Dell and the Windows License will no longer be valid to be used with a different board.

The board doesn't appear to have a removal BIOS chip: http://www.ascendtech.us/mmASC/Images/gx170l.jpg and no BIOS recovery features from what I've found.

[qpaulina42]

thank you all. triple, that board is not exactly like mine but fairly close. how would I go about figuring out my motherboard model? can I just ask dell with my expired service tag? or is it written someplace on the board?

[Triple6]

I'd imagine there would be something on the board. Usually with a Dell it goes by the system.

[win2kpro]

All Dell motherboards are manufacturer proprietary and have a proprietary BIOS chip. The 3000 motherboard is a modified Intel series D865 board.

I doubt that Intel would have built the board with a soldered in BIOS chip. I still believe your best bet is to contact Bad Flash and see if they can build you a new chip. On their site they have pictures of what BIOS chips look like, and how to remove the chip.

You don't want to even think about replacing the board unless you can get the EXACT replacement board online.

[qpaulina42]

I contacted badflash and looked through all their pictures and there is nothing on my board that looks like a bios chip. I'll try to contact dell, thanks!

[qpaulina42]

well I tried to ask dell but they charge $50 to speak to technical support. Isn't there some way to figure out my motherboard model number? gak!

[qpaulina42]

here is a picture of my board exactly as it is, does anyone see the bios chip???
http://www.redplanettrading.com/ebay...8060-2-800.jpg

[win2kpro]

Somewhere on the board should be stenciled a Dell part number. It IS NOT E210882 that is a UL file number.

There is no way Dell is really going to be able to help you with that board. They would not have a BIOS since the board is vintage 2004. If you just want to purchase a replacement board google for a Dell Dimension 3000 motherboard.

[qpaulina42]

what I have figured out thus far is that it seems to be a R8060 board, with possibly a 865 GV chipset, and that the bios is on the 'firmware hub' of the chipset, whatever that means. I am thinking this means new motherboard for me?

[frankjohn]

What a dilema

[Triple6]

I think I'd be looking for a replacement board for a Dell Dimension 3000.

[frankjohn]

I posted that it might be a bad board but wasent sure. Wish you luck.

[win2kpro]

Apparently the 3000 Dell motherboard has several different Dell part numbers, i.e.
N6381 TC665 TC666 TC667 R8060 K8960 K8980 0K8980 F8403 K8979 DH513 CH775.

http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.as...EN3000&eq=&Tp=