How to Repair a Computer Motherboard
The failure of a motherboard can be surprising and catastrophic. The motherboard is the processing heart of the computer and motherboard failure can make a computer impossible to use. Although designed to take as much abuse as possible, all motherboards will fail eventually. However, most motherboard problems can be repaired, or at least isolated, even by inexperienced users. It may take a lot of time and even more of your patience, but you can get your computer repaired.
Instructions
Difficulty:
Step 1
Remove the cover of your computer by unscrewing the case. Find your hard drive, a steel rectangular shape. Follow the ribbon cable attached to it to locate the motherboard. Detach the motherboard from any cables that are connected to it, and carefully note where the cable were attached to make the re-installation process easier. Once all the cables have been detached, remove the motherboard from your computer. Clean the motherboard carefully using the compressed air.
Step 2
Visually inspect the motherboard to locate any loose pieces, blown fuses or other problems. Fuses will be clearly labeled, and any fuse damage will be immediately obvious, with signs such as black coloration, melting and other physical damage. Do not attempt to snap off or otherwise remove any loose pieces. Instead, carefully note where they are located and any serial numbers on the piece. Examine the soldering of the piece and determine what has come loose.
Step 3
Carefully re-solder any loose connections. This is an extremely delicate operation that will require extensive experience in building complex circuits to avoid damaging your computer. Proceed carefully and avoid applying heat to any area of the motherboard for any extended period of time. Use only the absolute minimum of solder need edto reestablish the connection. Once the solder has cooled, reconnect the cable to your motherboard and test your computer to make sure the issue has been resolved.
References
Tips & Warnings
- Do not attempt to replace a blown fuse on a motherboard. It only will cause more damage to your computer.
Only attempt soldering any new connections if you are intimately familiar with what you are doing.
- Do not attempt to replace a blown fuse on a motherboard. It only will cause more damage to your computer.
- Only attempt soldering any new connections if you are intimately familiar with what you are doing.
Article Written By Dan Seitz
Dan Seitz has been writing professionally since 2008. He has been published on Cracked.com, Spike.com, AMOG.com, OverthinkingIt.com, Zug.com, TheDeadbeat.com and Gunaxin.com. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and is currently earning his Master of Arts in film at Emerson College.