Symptoms:
- Power button occasionally unresponsive after normal shutdown; PSU switch must be cycled. First occurred several months ago, then again a few months later, and recently with increasing frequency. Now fails more often than not.
- Since yesterday, many programs suddenly fail to start with generic "[program x] has stopped working" message.
- Also since yesterday, Avast fails with a "memory could not be read" error upon reaching Windows desktop after bootup.
- Cannot boot from USB stick even when expressly enabled and prioritised in BIOS. Onset unknown, only used for Memtest86+ immediately after purchase, not attempted again until now.
- System log lists ATAPI errors starting in late August 2013. For at least the last several days, such errors have occurred during every boot. No errors with DVD drive unplugged.
- Disconnecting hardware: USB devices, SSDs, HDD, DVD, all but innermost RAM stick (obscured by CPU heatsink). No effect on symptoms.
- CHKDSK on HDD, no errors.
- Boot from Windows DVD.
- Install stock CPU cooler to access all RAM slots.
- Update BIOS
- Pay a shop to troubleshoot/repair
- Test RAM integrity
- Swap hardware from donor PC
- Test my hardware in guinea pig PC
All hardware is less than 2 years old. Under Danish law, this gives me some options even with products whose warranty has otherwise expired since the seller is liable for manufacturing defects for 24 months. But I need to know for certain which part has failed before I request a replacement.
Is the above information enough
to conclude that the motherboard is faulty?
to rule out user error (e.g. static discharge damage)?
If not, is there something I haven't thought of trying/testing?
Thank you in advance.