NASLite Network Attached Storage

Thanks for all the responses, Nick. The Seasonic was brand new when it went into this box, so it should be fine. However, the more I think about it, the more I figure you may well be right -- it feels more like a power supply problem than a motherboard problem. A 430w unit should have had enough headroom, but I guess power supplies can fail quickly just like anything else.

I suppose the problem has to be either the motherboard/CPU or the power supply. I have a spare identical motherboard knocking around so there's nothing to lose by starting with that.

I thought an update was in order (if I'm searching a forum looking for solutions to a computer problem it always annoys me if threads like this are left unfinished).

I replaced the motherboard (with an identical board) and the server has been up and running for 48 hours.

Of course I can't say for certain that the motherboard was the problem. Maybe taking the server apart and putting it back together again solved a problem with a dodgy wiring connection. Who knows? Thanks again to all who helped out.

Does RAM go bad ?? Well, yes it can.... Can you fix it? Possibly

Grab an pencil/ink eraser from the stationery supplies first. This has saved several systems over the years...and shortened the troubleshooting time as well for weird issues.

Just suffered a kernel panic on reboot. Then noticed only 1 stick of RAM showing (256meg).

Pulled the ram..did the process of elimination. Nothing certain. Still erratic on POST, including failure to boot at all.

Inspected the RAM contacts...hmmm a bit dull (ie tarnished).

So, observing static precautions (handle with an antistatic bag etc), take an ink eraser (something with a bit more bite than the smooth pencil eraser) and rub down the contact edges to restore some shine.

Placed back in ram slots and all's fine. Rebooted 3 times straight, no issues.

So yes, ram (and cards) can go "bad" in the sense that the contacts can tarnish. Just clean up with an ink eraser.

Whilst I was at it, pulled all the PCI cards and cleaned them up too after confirming the RAM was fixed.