How to Determine That the Computer Motherboard Is Broken

Generally speaking, the computer’s motherboard will not easily break down, but there are cases where this happens, so how can we ultimately determine if the computer motherboard is broken indeed? These are the most applicable ways to diagnose the failure of the computer motherboard.

BIOS alarm sound and the diagnostic card

If the motherboard has a BIOS alarm sound, it usually means that the motherboard is working properly. In addition, the diagnostic card on the motherboard if there is a display, and can be normal go code, also indicates that the motherboard is working properly. Conversely, if there is no BIOS alarm sound or diagnostic card does not show, not go code, it means that the motherboard may have problems, as follows.

Checking power supply to determine the condition of the motherboard

If you press the computer power switch, the computer can not start, then you can check the working status of the ATX power supply to determine the fault. You can use your hand on the back of the chassis near the ATX power supply (generally ATX power supply comes with a cooling fan) feel, if the power supply cooling fan rotation, indicating that the ATX power supply is working properly, the motherboard boot circuit part of the normal work, it is likely that the motherboard power supply part or the clock part of the failure caused by the failure to start; if the ATX power supply cooling fan does not rotate, the fault may be power supply problems or motherboard problems caused by, you can first rule out the ATX power supply problems, and then check the motherboard problems.

Exclude the power supply problem:

  • open the chassis,
  • unplug the motherboard ATX power connector,
  • use tweezers or wires to connect the green line and any of the black lines – if the power supply fan rotates, the power supply is working properly.

Power-on self-test to determine the failure of the motherboard

After booting the computer, the system will perform a self-checking routine. This is part of the BIOS function, often called Power-on self-test (POST). A complete POST includes testing of the graphics card, CPU, motherboard, memory keyboard and other hardware.

The system starts the self-test process and reflects the relevant hardware conditions. Determining computer hardware failure through the self-test information is also a method used quite often. Sometimes, the motherboard’s local hardware damage will be shown in this self-test.

CMOS battery failure

CMOS setting errors or static problems often lead to some system failures. By discharging the CMOS battery, you can troubleshoot these problems.

Physical damage to the motherboard

Because of the complex composition of the motherboard, circuitry, electronics and all the sockets, with many motherboards also integrating a graphics card, sound card and network card chips, etc., it is easy to cause damage to the motherboard or burn it. The damage seemingly just waiting to happen – be that a lightning or just a blunt object (which are quite common causes).

When checking if there is physical damage to the motherboard, the first thing to check is whether the circuit board, chips, etc. are scorched or scratched, and whether the capacitors and other electronic devices have open solder or burst paste. For a motherboard that is seriously packed and covered with various elements, checking might be really troublesome, but in the end this is one of the most effective methods.

Poor contact

Detecting poor contact problems on the motherboard, the first check is whether there is a foreign body on the motherboard or if it is covered with dust. These often lead to poor contact, short circuit and other problems with the motherboard.

Then also check the connection between the motherboard and various hardware pieces. Check if the motherboard’s or any other hardware connection lines are damaged. If not, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage of the motherboard without plugging it in to determine whether there is a problem with the motherboard.

Conclusion

Now you know a bit more on how to check your PC when something goes wrong. In some situations contacting the pros, like the team of Smart Addiction in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, becomes inevitable. Anyway, make sure that your devices stay in good working condition and function properly.

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