SOLVED EVGA x58 SLI Dead?

[TiZakit]

Hey guys, I've been out of PC building for long while, then my computer took a dive. So if you could be so kind, I'm looking for some advice.

The PC has been extremely unstable. Crashes every hour or so. Here is a run down of the last few days of troubleshooting:
*Reverted video drivers. Tried reinstalling newer video drivers.
*Swapped PSU with a known good. (Seasonic)
*Reseated everything
*Reinstalled Windows 7 - Updated all drivers and let sit.
*Checked CPU and Video cooling. Both are working as expected.

Tonight, I was about to install another OS to make sure it wasn't a windows issue when I noticed that the motherboard power LED light (on the case) was lit even when the system was shutdown. This led to an investigation into the motherboard.
*Power LED is connected securely and with correct polarity.
*Noticed that a fan connection no longer will report RPM reading.
*Full power off. Hold power button and release. Clear CMOS - No change.

So unless you guys have any other ideas, I'm going to conclude that the board needs replaced.

Should I spend the cash for another 1366 x58 board? Slim pickings at the usual places. I did find some boards on ebay, but of course, no warranty even on stuff listed as new. This would be my first choice if I needed to go that route: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-X58A-GD...913543392?pt=Motherboards&hash=item35c3850ce0

Like I said, I've not quite been keeping up with the current trends. Would there be another CPU/motherboard combo that nets me about the same performance, for a price under $250?

What would you do in my situation. I'm trying to buy a house right now, so money is a little tight.

Thanks!

Current System:
Intel i7-920
EVGA X58 SLI LE
3x2gb Corsair XMS3
XFX 5850
Seasonic 750w PSU
2 2tb Hdds for storage in RAID 1 (Intel ICH10R)
Crucial M4 SDD (system drive)

 

[txus.palacios]

The board's probably dead, yeah. Maybe a cap has been damaged, or any other electronical device, as the power LED is still up when it shouldn't be. That could explain those artifacts.

I would strongly recommend you to try and upgrade to a Ivy system. Alas, under 250 upgrading to Ivy will be rather hard. If you have a Microcenter close, you could get a 3570k and a Z77 Extreme4 for around USD 300 checking the on-line store. Not sure though, I am not American, thus, I have never been to a microcenter. Might want to wait for another member to confirm this.

 

[TiZakit]

Thanks for the input. At least someone agrees with me.

By bad fortune, I wound up with tonight off from work. I wanted to use this time to get the system functional again, as the next time I'll be able to spend time on it is a long way off. I contacted a local ebay guy and got a board local pickup for under $100. We'll see how it goes, I just got it installed.

 

[TiZakit]

UPDATE:

Well. Looks like the board was fine. I continued to have issues and investigated the last component on the list. The SSD.

Updated firmware. has been stable for longer than it has been in the past.