How To Check Your Motherboard

Want to know how to check your motherboard? Checking your motherboard is the first thing you should check if your computer stops working. Since almost every component to your computer is somehow connected to the motherboard, if it stops working your computer is basically useless. If you need to check your motherboard for problems, the steps below are how to do it.

Things you'll need:

• Screwdriver
• Replacement processor
• Replacement graphic card
• Replacement RAM module

1. Turn the computer off and take the power cable out of the outlet. Turn the computer over so that your side panel is facing toward you. The side panel is usually attached to the computer by screws.
2. Take off the side panel of your computer by unscrewing it. Remove it and set it aside. Make sure you don't misplace the side panel or the screws.
3. Once the side panel is removed, check to see if there are any bent or burnt pins or transistors on the motherboard. The motherboard is that big, flat sheet looking thing that all components are connected to. You can't miss it.
4. Pull out any expansion cards from the motherboard and take out the screws that hold the motherboard in place. Slowly pull the entire motherboard out carefully and set it down on a surface that won't conduct any electricity. Plug the power cable directly in the motherboard.
5. Take the processor off the motherboard and replace it with a new one. Use a screwdriver to press in the latch so you can press the power button. If the computer powers up, the processor was the problem and not the motherboard.
6. If it still doesn't power up, repeat step five, but replace the RAM modules and graphic card instead to see if they are the problem. If the motherboard still does not power up after replacing the processor, RAM and graphic card, you will probably have to purchase a new motherboard.