AR, yes, computer never booted during power spike. yes, I tried connecting problemed PC directly into modem, I was still getting a 169.xxx.xxx.xxx IP address. Can you think of anything else it could be?
If you already have mouse/keyboard/monitor, $300 dollar build shouldn't be that hard. The one i'm building costs me $370 total with shipping including $27 extra for mouse and keyboard.
Don't take ppl at circuit city seriously. A $170 mobo is pretty high end. Just buy or better yet build a new one. NEWEGG.COM