Troubleshooting and checking Computer Motherboards

Troubleshooting Motherboards

If your system crashes repeatedly, it is possibly due to motherboard failure, However. actual motherboard failure is very rare. It is possible that some other problems like loose connection, power failure or overheating may cause system failure.

1. Turn off the system and remove the power cord from the power supply.

2. Check connections on the motherboard.

3. Restore the BIOS settings to default setting.

4. Ensure that the motherboard is not touching the system case.

Precautions:

> Wear an anti-static wristband.

> Place the removed components in an antistatic bag. Antistatic bag

Checking CMOS battery

1. Remove the CMOS battery from the motherboard.

2. Set the multimeter in DC voltage mode.

3.Put the red probe on +ve side (mentioned on the CMOS battery) and black probe. opposite side of the CMOS battery.

4. If the output voltage shown is greater than 2.5 Volts on multimeter then it is OK otherwise replace the battery

Checking motherboard

1. Check motherboard for cracks on account of overheating of equipment’s.

2. Physically observe any scratches or discontinuity in PCB paths.

3. Check for burnt ICs or components.

4. Check the VGA connector for dry soldering or loose connection or replace the connector.

5. Check North Bridge and South Bridge ICs physically for loose connection or dry soldering.

6. Check north and south bridge IC whether they are getting heated by putting your index finger on them.

7. Check the processor whether it is gradually heating up or not by putting your index finger on top of the processor.

8. If the processor is cool, then check the voltage regulator ICs whether short or open or measuring voltage across the leads using multi-meter in diode mode.

9. Update BIOS from motherboard driver CD or you can download from the Internet.

10. Replace BIOS and check.

11. Use the debugging card to know the source of the problem.