It really does sound like a power supply. Is the cooling fan running? Have you dusted the inside of the case?

 

Could be the CPU's cooling fan.

 

Thanx for all the replies and offers for parts : ) . I put in a new power supply today, replaced the 250 with 300 watt. It's running like new. All indications are that the board is fine. The fan is running at a higher rate, the board's runnning temp has dropped 10degrees F or more, and the voltage specs are tighter all around.

It feels like new again. I can't believe the degradation of performance from the bad power supply. Probably like using low grade econo gas in my s2k (don't even joke!!!).

Turbo, at some point, I think I'd like to piece a mobo/chip together in this box tho. Sounds like I could hack my way through it, which would be fun, and save a few $ as well.

Chaz01