Can you build your own computer? Use Linux?

Need one to start with. Could look on Ebay and find a replacement motherboard. I took the DIMM module out and if I get into town today I'll stop at Worst Buy Best Buy and see if they can test the module or not. If the motherboard is damaged, then probably someone has one on-line.

I found about 3 different motherboards, and of course the descriptions are kind of cryptic. So I have to copy / paste the part numbers into Google to maybe learn what the difference is, get out the screwdriver and take the thing apart again and photograph some markings, and finally find out if it what is in it now is the highest performance one, or if an upgrade is possible.

I'm finding "new old stock" for about $50 to $60, but I also know that processor clock speed does not always indicate overall performance, as a 4 core is going to be faster than a 2 core if the OS is properly optimizing them for load balancing.

You will find parts.

Fixing to go take it apart again to make a positive ID on the motherboard and processor, then google each of the options to work out the performance capabilities and interchangeability.

And then order the highest performance one a seller has that has been fully tested and has some kind of warranty - maybe an exchange if it's truly DOA.

If it can handle 32 gb of RAM then I'll do that upgrade too just in case the damage messed up the DIMM.

That’s a good plan.

Have pictures, ready to Google specs and then decide which one to click on "Buy it Now".

Good!

Ordered a motherboard, and if the other listing page will refresh, ordering a hundred of the tiny little screws that secure stuff in that computer and many others.

Also looking for some small anti-static zip-lock bags to finish organizing a whole bunch of tiny components, fasteners, and such.

You robs lay have those bags hidden somewhere.

I found some that were way, way too big, and still haven't found the smaller non-anti-static ones.