3.4.1 Motherboard Issues

Learn the common issues with motherboards, CPUs, and system memory.

Power Issues

Power supplies wear out over time, especially when overheated or overstressed. If the power supply can't deliver the DC power that the system is asking for, it may:

• unexpectedly shut down
• continuously reboot
• (sometimes) not even power on You can test to see if the power supply is working correctly using a motherboard connector or a hard disk connector. Anything less than 11 volts of DC electricity on a 12-volt wire means that the power supply is failing. Also check the power supply switches.

Boot Errors

When troubleshooting the motherboard, you might encounter boot error codes. On boot, systems run a self-check for power, called a POST check. This self-check verifies that all of the basic hardware connected is present and functioning, which includes:

• memory
• keyboard
• CPU
• chipset
• and more The way the system lets the user know something is wrong varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. When video adapters fail, you can use a POST card to get error codes from the PC.

Beep Codes

you're kinda cooked bro, you're in for a lot of research. check manufacturer for the beep codes, they're not used a lot anymore e.g 3 => 2 => 4 means keyboard failiure

Error Codes

also do research, documentation on manufacturer's website e.g. 201 (memory issue) and 301 (invalid keyboard response)

Distended Capacitors

If the fans in the PC start, but other motherboard components don't seem to be receiving power, then you could be dealing with distended capacitors. Inspect the motherboard for swollen or leaking capacitors. If it's leaking, you have to replace the motherboard since the capacitors have blown.

CMOS Power Interruption

When the CMOS chip loses power, you might notice that the system date/time gets reset, replace the motherboard battery.

Overheating

If the heat generated by the system isn't dissipated, it will cause premature component failure.

• Inadequate airflow
• Improperly installed fans
• Failing fans
• Excessive dust
• Extreme environment (temp & humidity)

Temp Monitoring

Although there are software applications that can tell you the temperature of the internal components inside the system, you can find the temperature in the system firmware (BIOS & UEFI)

Intermittent Device Failure

fancy for "it just stopped working juts replace the failing device if you can't find the issue but remember to update drivers before you do that

Smoke & Burning Smell

SHUT THE SYSTEM OFF IMMEDIATELY

• connector isn't seated all the way and electricity is arcing between the two ends
• short circuit in the motherboard

wallahi you're cooked bro most likely everything is damaged beyond repair, so replace the entire system for safety measures n stuff

#III

#Aplus