thanks for the suggestions Bob! no... i used the 22pf cap on the materials list... i came across the post about the 10pf replacement just yesterday in fact. the one thats supposed to be 10pf measured closer to 3pf... though its pretty hard to get an accurate fix on values in the low pf range even with really good equipment as you know. i think ill order some 10pf caps and do some replacing on the board.
i asked if this was some kind of 'normal condition' because someone just below in a post who just did the same board swap just mentioned something cryptic about loading factory programs and how now 'more of the lights seem to be going away'... or something to that effect... perhaps i should ask him...!
also... is there a FAQ somewhere here on relevant problems? or something from Jed on 'startup procedures' and troubleshooting? im having a bit of a hard time getting relevant search results in this group. as for the reset pin on the processor... what kind of input does in need to start the interrupt? short to ground? guess i should read the manual for that processor...
i could also try swapping processors i guess (have two more p6s to do!... hope i can get one of em right!!). id have tried the board in one of the other p6s though it really looks as though the problem is coming from the new board...