[quote]anyone got suggestions as to how you can verify the operation of mobo, memory or CPU as individual items?[/quote] Bones, Sorry to hear you are having problems! seems to be the weekend for them! The best way of verifying your CPU stability is to run this software here: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,7146-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.html Its a Stress test that puts your CPU through several benchmarking tests, It'll tell you if anything is wrong with the CPU - its cleverly designed to put as little stress on the other components during the test as possible so, if you get a crash during the test, it will probably also point to CPU problems. As for RAM, I have previously used this with some success, although if it is suitable for your PC I am not sure, however search for "RAM Benchmark" or "RAM Checker" in google and you will find something that works for you. http://www.memtest86.com/ There are several MOBO checkers available however most of them are payware and all I have used have been entirely useless. Give the above 2 a go and let us know if it comes up with anything. All the best, Alex