Computer assistance

[Roland]

Do you think it will do enough to fix the problem though? It just seems unlikely to me since the problems were there before I moved the heatsink. It seemed to be fastened on the CPU well to start with. So I just am doubting that it will solve the problem. I suppose I can try it though if I can find a store around here that has it. Don't know of many local computer stores really.

Since you're upgrading your computer, in a way, anyway, you might as well ditch Socket 478 and join the new world.:P

You can get a MUCH better MB for the less money (I'll link a few), even in Socket 775 (LGA).

Here is a MB / CPU combo for the same money. Here's a few Socket 478 Mobos:
ECS
MSI
Gigabyte
ASUS

ECS is low-end quality, but not terrible. The rest are good name-brands, but low-end-priced mobos. Still, you can find a LOT in the low-end price range.

Here's some Socket 775 (LGA) boards, also in the low price range (due to older NB chips):
ECS
Abit
MSI
ASUS

Here's some LGA boards with some mid-range chips:
ECS
ASUS
Abit
Gigabyte

Here's some LGA boards with some high-end chips:
ECS
Abit
Gigabyte
Abit

Note that for the mid- to high-end NB chip Mobos, you'll need to upgrade your RAM and video card, in addition to the CPU. But, all told, you could make a good system for $200 - $300. It may be worth your while to slowly build your PC one component at a time, rather than settle for out-of-date hardware now, especially since you have a running PC currently.

For a CPU, I'd go with something like:
Single-Core Pentium 4
Dual-Core Pentium D

As for RAM, here's a good choice for some inexpensive DDR2 RAM.

For $225, you can build a decent rig, getting most MAIN components new (CPU / Motherboard / RAM), and for around another $50 to $75 you can get a decent video card to go with them (GeForce 6600 - 7300 series would be good). Granted, I know that all that is out of your planned bugdet, but keep in mind it's possible to find LGA boards that support DDR and AGP, thus allowing you to retain your RAM and video card, while still upgrading your CPU / Mobo (such as any of these fine boards). It's all dependent on how far you want to go now, versus how far you may want to go later.

Oh, and to answer your original question:
Since you determined it's not the RAM, and not the PSU, it's definitely either a CPU or Mobo problem. Best to do both.