G5 freezes on boot up, won't boot from startup disc- freezes

Hello,
I'm looking for any clues as to what has apparently killed my much beloved G5. I was converting a very large video file and maxing out my RAM when computer froze and would not restart. I then did a very dumb thing and tried to start it up from my old Panther install disc b/c I couldn't locate my Tiger install disc. (I know- STUPID!)
Anyhow, Panther tried to fix the problem but was unable. I later located my Tiger disc and tried to boot from it but computer still froze about 1/2 way through the boot up process. If I let the computer sit for about 24 hours and try the install disc again, it gets further along in the boot up process but has never successfully completed a "repair disc" command without freezing up shortly after beginning. If I continue to try the install disc it freezes up earlier and earlier in the process.
Took my baby to the local Apple Store and after over a week in the shop, they explained that they didn't know what was causing the problem. (Although they still took my money for the 'diagnostic fee'. <g>) The logic board, the processor and the HD all passed the Apple diagnostic tests(ASD) but the unit still froze up during boot up. The tried replacing each part (MLB, CPU, HD) individually but unit still froze. The only way they were able to successfully boot up was when they replaced ALL 3 parts... about a $1,500 repair. They couldn't explain why this was the case, it was just the only thing that worked.
I did notice in the "repair" notes that when they replaced the processor the unit netbooted past the usual spot were it was freezing and worked but then in my OS it froze during the screen saver. They also noted that it failed the thermal calibration test the first time through but calibrated on the second try. Don't know if this infomation is of any use...
Does anyone have any idea what could possibly cause this? Why would the MLB, CPU, & HD each pass the ASD tests but still not allow boot up?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Frustrated teacher, missing her baby,
Tracey
Power Mac G5 1.8GHz   Mac OS X (10.4)  
Power Mac G5 1.8GHz   Mac OS X (10.4)  

tracey0808-
Greetings and welcome to the Apple boards.
Bummer about your machine. I have heard of service facilities using what we call "the shotgun approach" when repairing a G5. I am not convinced it is necessary.
The cheapest, easiest, and potentially good investment fix is to add a second internal hard drive and try to set that up as your boot drive. If it still doesn't work, you have a spare drive that you might be able to use again with another machine.
G5 repairs do tend to be very expensive. You an also try another service facility for a second opinion.
Luck-
-DaddyPaycheck

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