Motherboard replacement for MacPro 2008

I would try to find a used 2009 or later silver tower Mac Pro unless you can get a very good deal on a used logic board for a 2008 Mac Pro.

It is a lot of work to replace a logic board.

You stated; "I need a statement from someone saying it would not be worth repairing for my homeowners insurance. Otherwise they won't pay for the damage and replace it."

No one here will be able to do that for you. We are all users just like yourself.

Insurance generally covers the depreciated cost, unless you have unusual coverage (for which you pay an extra premium). They will not buy you a new computer to replace a dead used computer.

You could ask at your Apple Store for a quote on a comparable motherboard replacement. (even if they won't service yours, they should know the price of a comparable repair.) That price will likely be higher than the cost of a used computer, so Insurance will pay you the lower amount, whichever that is, and ask you to turn over your dead chassis to them for savage/scrap (so that you don't take advantage of them). You may be able to "buy back" the dead chassis for some amount -- they do not know what amount that should be, but dead computers on eBay go for next-to-nothing, if they move at all.

No one needs to certify in blood that something is "not worth repair" -- anyone can see that if a reasonably-derived repair cost exceeds the 'replacement with used' cost, it is not worth the repair.

Determining the actual values of these things is all the job of the adjuster working on your case. If they are asking you to do this work, it indicates they either have no idea how to determine the value of computers and computer repairs, or that they are hoping you will "low-ball" the amount of money involved due to your inexperience.

So it appears you have gotten your answer from two of the best sources, that it is not worthy fixing. What more do you want?

The adjuster's job is to come up with a reasonable way to proceed. Arbitrary rules about stuff like "over $500 requires a written statement of unrepairability" are just roadblocks to delay your claim while trying to keep you from cheating. The reality is that these guys have tremendous latitude in what they can allow, and if you make a reasonable case baked up by any sliver of truth, they have very few ways to refute it.

Make what reasonable assertions you can, and then you are done. Apple's price for a comparable repair is probably the highest you will get. But Apple uses fixed price, while most others will quote time and materials, and if it takes longer, others will charge you even more.

If you take your Mac to an appointment at the genius Bar, they will evaluate it for you, free. In warranty or out. Ask them to tell you worst case what it might cost IF they could fix it, and tell them you need this for insurance, and they will probably add a few notes to the diagnosis sheet for you and be done. If the Insurance company wants more, they are free to do the work themselves (they sometimes do). But your claim is small and simple compared to a fire that burned down half a house and all its belongings.

Just do the best you can.

You would have needed to follow a best case scenario using certified UPS equipment from a company like APC or Cyberpower such that the modem, router, coax-out from router were fully surge protected and grounded - first. APC can in some cases offer up to $25k for properly protected equipment. Line Conditioner, UPS and thgen peraps a surge protector or 2nd (smaller) UPS for modem etc and peripherals. THEN you might have a case.

If this is a once-in-1-- year event, otherwise I would invest in proper equipment now before installing and using any other equipment.

A close near-by lightning strike may damage and send a current thru equipment (like a strike that hit tree 100 ft on property next door) that no UPS/LC can protect against.

http://www.apc.com - check their knowledge base library and FAQ

It is not worth that now.

I agree that it is not worth $500 when working. Last February I purchased a used 2009 with 4-core CPU and 16 GB or memory for $425.

A compatible 2008 is a lot less