The motherboard is a key computer component that houses the hardware components of a
computer like the RAM and CPU. The central processing unit, as most of you would refer to it is the computer’s ‘brains’. Yes! Computers have brains too. Do you think you are the only one? A
failing motherboard or CPU may interrupt the normal functioning of your computer. Diagnosing motherboard or CPU failure can be very tricky. For a motherboard, it’s either it is completely working or entirely not. Sometimes there are no signals to alert you when it is about to crash.
With the rising emergence of equipment like the best budget multimeter, it is possible to a
motherboard. With this kind of equipment, you can test the motherboard for open and short circuits. If your computer reboots aimlessly, doesn’t boot at all, and inconstant crashes, you should be ready to test for the motherboard or CPU failure.
Other hardware problems may cause these problems, but the motherboard and CPU should be the priority to test for failure. A computer performs tremendous tasks, but it also got its problems. These are the last components that you would want dead. They are a computer’s life.
But how do you really test for motherboard and CPU failure?
Contents
Power-On Self-Test
The first thing that you should consider doing to test for motherboard and CPU failure is conducting a power-on self-test. Connect your computer to the power supply and switch it on.
Then open your ears wide open to hear a short beep. If you hear the beep, you are safe.
Otherwise, you might have a motherboard or CPU failure. Proceed and check what caused it.
Checking the Hardware Visually
The other thing that you do when you suspect that there is a motherboard or CPU failure is to check the hardware visually. These different processes are necessary to test the problem effectively. You might as well consider having the best budget multimeter because it can be very useful in this diagnosis.
Check Capacitors
Is the capacitor the blown? If yes, then that might be the reason for your motherboard failure.
Examine the top of individual capacitors to see whether they are bulging. This means that they appear to protrude inappropriately. Examine also if the individual capacitors are leaking. If all these appears, boom! Your capacitor is blown.
Blown capacitors are associated with many motherboard problems. But you don’t have to worry that much because it is a solvable problem. Computer engineers can guarantee that. If the capacitors are in good shape, the best option is to go ahead and check the other hardware components. It doesn’t always have to be the poor capacitors.
Remove the Central Processing Unit
It’s time to check the computer’s ‘brains’. For a visual hardware checkup, you have to remove the
Central Processing Unit. It’s you. We are testing for failure madam brains! Don’t think you will escape from this. Once you remove it, look whether there are pins that are bent on the side where the CPU is usually attached to the motherboard. If there are bent pins, that’s the reason for the CPU failure.
Trying to bend back the pins is possible but can break accidentally in the process. So take it easy.
I am sure you are not ready to buy a new CPU. If the pins have no problem, consider checking
the other components.
Check the RAM
The next vital component to check is the RAM. Remove the RAM and try fixing it back again to
its slots. Most motherboards do not respond to the power-on self-test by beeping when the RAM
is not correctly installed. The Ram might be loosely or not correctly attached in the slot.
If that’s not the case, you might probably think of changing the slots. Most computers have
double slots for the RAM. Remove it and fix it in the other slot. The one it was in might probably
be faulty. If there is no problem with the slots, you can alternatively choose to use another
compatible RAM. The RAM might be the problem. If not, try the power supply.
Try Changing the Power Supply Source
The power supply might be the cause of your motherboard or CPU failure. Do you think that the
power supply is functional just because the power LED light is on, or CPU and power fans are
spinning? I suppose you might be wrong. The voltage the power supply is releasing to the
motherboard might not be enough. That’s where the multimeter comes in. I just hope you
grabbed the best budget multimeter.
The power supply may not be functional. In that case, you might consider changing the source
after identifying if there is a shortage or excessive current flow to the motherboard.
Removing the Motherboard
Here comes the next victim that we are testing for failure. The motherboard itself might be the cause of its own failure. To test if the motherboard is the problem, ‘breadboarding’ is conducted.
To ‘breadboard’, remove the motherboard from its case and put it on a non-conductive surface
arguably insulated. Then connect it to the power supply and switch it on.
If there is no beep after doing that process, you might probably start thinking of replacing the
motherboard.
Use Software Test Method
After checking the hardware, you can consider running a software test to examine motherboard
or CPU failure. Just to be sure nothing is a mess. Some soft wares that can be used to test for
motherboard and CPU failure include Intel processor diagnostic tool and Hot CPU tester.
On the other hand, due to increased varieties and models of CPUs and motherboard, using
software programs to test for failure is not that much effective. But if you are an expert and know
which software for which motherboard or CPU, then it’s even better for you. You can save time
and reduce damages that might occur in visually checking the hardware.
Final Words
When all is done, you probably now know whether the motherboard or the CPU of your computer has a problem. If no problem is detected, enjoy using your computer. If there is a
problem, then replace the motherboard or the CPU or both. Whichever has a problem! Following
the simple process will help you test for motherboard or CPU failure right there on the home
computer desk. With the right tools, most importantly, the best budget multimeter and
information, you can do it. It’s not always about experts. You too, can be an expert!