Are diagnostics cards really helpful?

[UnknownPerson]

I am about to buy a diagnostics card (those with special leds on them to diagnose mainboards and alike) but "someone" told me that they have a bad reputation, because they often give "unexact information."

Could anyone really serious about the matter help me solve this dilema??

Thanking in advance,

 

[DBSSP]

The way hardware is today, you're gonna know just by unplugging components. My advise, unless you do tons of PC's everyday, don't bother. It would be a waste.

Jay

 

[DBSSP]

Forgot to mention that these "cards" are also pretty accurate at pinpointing faults in the motherboard, BUT, motherboards are made to be throw-away these days. IF something goes wrong with the board, you throw it away and buy a new one.

Jay

 

[edfair]

If the M/B supports it it will tell you what unrepairable part failed, or where in POST it died, probably. It can help with IRQs and voltages but I don't have one yet and probably won't. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[legend2b4]

Buy something else instead mate

 

[feb]

built one about four years ago programmed with pics thinking it might come in handy. since then I have repaired a quite a few m/c's but I aint used the post card yet.
don't bother