Your computer can have a host of different problems due to a bad motherboard or CPU. In this article, we will discuss how to test motherboard for faults and damage? Because, Computer motherboards are critical components since they connect many crucial components of the computer, including the CPU (central processing unit), memory, and output and input devices. A motherboard is somewhat like a brain.
Computers are useless once they are damaged. While using a computer, however, you may not realize how the Motherboard is performing. An unstable motherboard can affect other components on the computer, including the CPU, GPU, USB ports, etc.
What is the best way to check the health of your Motherboard? It will be the topic of our discussion. Now let’s take a look at some related information in the following sections. Here are some possible problems. Remember that the issues below can be caused by more than just a bad motherboard or CPU.
- Instead of booting, you hear a beep code.
- Crashes that cause general protection fault errors, illegal operations, or fatal exceptions.
- The computer reboots randomly.
- Windows restarts without warning. Why does this happen?
You can test and troubleshoot your computer’s Motherboard and CPU to determine if they are defective or not. Here are some recommendations.
Checking the hardware visually.
Checking the Motherboard visually should be the first step. Most motherboard issues or failures are caused by bulging or blown capacitors. Check each capacitor for bulges or leaks, which are indications that it is blown. You are likely experiencing computer motherboard problems if you find any bulging or blown capacitors.
It is necessary to remove the CPU from the computer for a visual check of the Motherboard. Check the pins inserted into the Motherboard once the CPU has been removed. It is likely causing problems with the CPU and computer if you find a bent pin.
If a capacitor is bulging or blown, must install a new capacitor with precision soldering. You can bend bent CPU pins back into place if you do it carefully. If it breaks off while trying to bend it back, the CPU needs to be replaced.
If the problem cannot be seen visually, use a software utility or hardware tool to diagnose it.
Solutions for software and hardware
Can use the following software programs to test your computer’s motherboard and CPU. Due to the wide variety and complexity of computer motherboards and CPUs, these programs may not detect every possible failure.
- Diagnostic Tool for Intel Processors -If you own an Intel processor, you should look into the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool. Using it is a great way to test multiple Intel processors for free.
It is also possible to test and diagnose motherboards and CPUs.
These tools are listed below.
- PC-doctor – A good, but not cheap, way to diagnose computer hardware problems, such as motherboard problems.
- Ultra-X – There is a great collection of Ultra-X products for testing computer hardware, including the Motherboard.
Replace the motherboard and CPU
Replace the CPU or Motherboard if the tools listed above indicate that either or both are defective. Neither piece of hardware can be repaired cheaply or easily.
Note
Should take Laptops with a bad motherboard or CPU to a computer repair shop for repair. May void your laptop warranty if you attempt to replace the motherboard or CPU yourself.
You may want to take your computer to a repair shop if you have not tried a software or hardware tool to analyze the Motherboard or CPU. If one or both are defective, they may also suggest replacing the Motherboard or CPU.
How to test Motherboard through POST Test?
Running a Power-on self-test is the best way to check your Motherboard or other laptop hardware. This test will begin immediately after you turn on your computer. It will check all your hardware components.
The BIOS will display an error message if there is an apparent problem with anyone. The video below will tell you how to perform a POST on your laptop or PC successfully.
The OS will be notified with several beeps if you get through testing successfully. Each system will behave differently.
How to Test a Motherboard With a Multimeter?
DC voltages are tested.
Step 1
Connect the computer to AC power and the 20-pin ATX connector. Measure the voltage with a multimeter at 20 volts DC. Place the black multimeter probe on pin 15 or 16 or 17 (GND pins) of the connector and probe its backside.
Step 2
Pin 9 (purple, VSB) should be at 5 V (any other reading indicates a problem with the PSU), and Pin 14 (green, PS On) should be between 3 and 5 volts when you use the red probe. When you press the power switch on your PC, the PS_On value should drop to 0. The PS_On value should not drop to 0.
Step 3
The red probe should be used to check Power_OK Pin 8 (grey); if this pin is above 2.5 V, then the computer is ready to start. After pressing reset, the Power_OK reading should drop to 0 and then climb back up.
Short/open circuit testing of the power supply and motherboard
Step 1
Allow the excess charge to drain for several minutes by unplugging the computer from the AC power. Touch the leads of the probes together to zero the multimeter by setting it on the lowest Ohm setting (around 200). The zero reading should be the same when you touch the two leads to the bare metal of the computer chassis.
Step 2
Connect the ATX connector to the motherboard and remove it carefully. You can use the red lead to check the PSU’s D/C and A/C ground pins; these should also read zero with the black probe on the chassis.
Step 3
To check the values of the colored wire pins on the D/C connector, keep the black lead on the chassis and use the red probe. The reading for every colored wire should be 50 or higher.
Step 4
Removing the CPU from the motherboard socket is the first step. PINs on the board’s connector can be found on the ATX 20-pin chart. Test the GND pins on the motherboard connector using the black and red leads: Pins 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 16, and 17 should read zero. If they do not, the motherboard connector may be faulty.
How do you know if your laptop or PC motherboard is faulty?
Apart from the POST, several other symptoms can indicate a faulty motherboard. Let’s go over each one individually.
Physical problems or damage to any part:
You probably need to replace the Motherboard if your laptop performs poorly or ominous signs come up from the Motherboard. Physical damage to the Motherboard’s essentials is likely to be the root cause. Turn off your computer to check for damage issues. A socket may appear damaged due to heating problems. The motherboard capacitors can also leak or bloat as the plan ages.
The burning smell:
Burning things produce burning odors. Consequently, if the Motherboard emits a burnt odor, it means it is overheating. Burning your laptop or computer may also cause severe damage.
Overheating occurs mostly when you try to fit incompatible hardware on the Motherboard. A graphics card or ram that is incompatible with the Motherboard can cause overheating. A burning smell will eventually emanate from the Motherboard.
When Windows starts, the BIOS menu appears:
BIOS settings are mostly handled manually on Windows. However, if it suddenly pops up whenever the computer is started up. The Motherboard may be faulty. When the BIOS menu appears on the screen, this indicates that a component on the Motherboard is malfunctioning. Therefore, this can also be checked by seeing the BIOS menu.
Applications with multiple functions:
In addition, this issue shows the Motherboard’s dysfunctionality. There may be several applications on the screen that are experiencing lags.
Perhaps it isn’t working correctly. Your Motherboard may need to be serviced.
The blue screen:
System failure is also known as the BSOD-Blue Screen of Death. Windows has reported a stop error, which will halt the window’s normal operation. However, this does not always indicate that there is a problem with the Motherboard. Whenever this problem occurs, an error code will appear on the screen. If you Google it, you can find out if it’s a motherboard problem.
Problems with freezing:
If your computer or laptop randomly locks up or freezes, it could be the Motherboard. Software problems can sometimes occur. Try troubleshooting your PC to resolve the issue. Nevertheless, if you cannot fix the problem, you should check the Motherboard or other hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you test a motherboard is working?
You can try plugging in your laptop with the AC adapter and turning it on to see if the battery is just dead. If it turns on, then you know the Motherboard is OK. However, if your PC still doesn’t boot or randomly shuts down, you might hear a beep code when the BIOS tries to POST (Power On Self Test).
How do I manually test my Motherboard?
Start the Run dialogue box and type msinfo32.exe to open it, or do a Start menu search for “System Information”. On the main page, find “System Model” under “System Summary”. Your PC’s Motherboard should be able to tell you what type it is.
How do I test my Motherboard with a multimeter?
Allow the excess charge to drain for several minutes by unplugging the computer from the AC power. Touch the leads of the probes together to zero the multimeter by setting it on the lowest Ohm setting (around 200). The zero reading should be the same when you touch the two leads to the bare metal of the computer chassis.
Does a motherboard come with a technical manual?
It can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website and read before the parts arrive if you wish. Search for the product name/number on the manufacturers’ page. You should find it under the support or downloads section.
Conclusion
If you read this information, I hope that you will find it useful. I am sure you know how to test Motherboard. The easiest thing to do is to check it through several symptoms. The easiest thing to do is to run a POST. If you do this, you will be able to determine if the Motherboard is having a problem. From there, you will be able to determine what needs to be done.
Therefore, that’s all for today. Is there anything you would like to add or ask about? I’ll leave now until the next suggestion.
