Got an 'appointment' today. With everything out, just mobo, CPU and keyboard, there is no monitor output nor boot up, just cycling on/off of CPU fan. If we plug in lad's Graphics card and connect to that - normal display, boots into Windows7, but still shuts down at 30 mins either in BIOS screen or Win, all temps normal. Still 'missing' the NIC too.
Conclusion is mobo FUBAR. Would the glitterati agree?