Computer and Software Support


Instructions on replacing motherboard

If you are replacing the motherboard with the same model, you should not have to reload the chipset or have to re-install the operating system. This is not always the case but normally it is. If you have access to your personal data, you may want to back it up before replacing the motherboard just to be safe.

If you are replacing the motherboard with a different model, then the chances are good that you will have to reload windows. You might be able to install just the chipset and be OK but if that doesn't work, then a re-install is needed.

Below is instructions on replacing a motherboard. This is general instructions. Due to the numerous variations of computers, I am not able to go into detail but can give general instructions. For more specific instructions, consult the manufacturer of your computer.

NOTE: Most if all cables and connections are easy to determine where they go. Most cables will only plug into one location only so there is no confusion where they plug in at. Also most connections are keyed so they will only go in one direction so you can't accidentally reverse them. However there are a few motherboards that uses cables that you may not be able to determine which one goes where. Before removing cables, check to see if there is more than one location that cable can plug into. You can also do the following to make sure you don't plug it in the wrong place.

  1. Draw a diagram of the motherboard.

  2. On the diagram, label the connections A through Z or use numbers.

  3. Then take a piece of paper and either put A through Z or the numbers on it

  4. Put the paper on each cable.

  5. Then you just have to match the numbers together and you will know you have them in the right place.

 

Read the Safety Procedures. Very Important!!!

To remove the motherboard do the following

  1. If you have access to your personal data, back it up before continuing this procedure.
  2. Disconnect every single cable in the back of the computer. This includes the power cord. Do not leave anything connected.
  3. Push the power button (with the power cord disconnected) This will drain any power built up in the system. VERY IMPORTANT!!!
  4. Open computer case (you will need to consult the manual on this since there is numerous types of cases and each have their own way of opening)
  5. DO NOT BLOW ON ANY DUST YOU SEE (Your breath has moisture and electronics do not like it)
  6. Touch a metal part of the computer. Also if you have a static wrist band wear it.
  7. Remove Memory
  8. Remove PCI cards (you may or may not have any PCI cards. If you don't then skip to next step)
  9. Remove video cards (You may not have a video card in the system. It may be built into the motherboard. If that is the case, just skip to the next step)
  10. Disconnect all IDE cables plugged into the motherboard .
  11. Disconnect any SATA cables that is connected. (Your system may not have SATA cables)
  12. Disconnect power cable that is plugged into the motherboard .
  13. Remove the processor/CPU
  14. Disconnect the control panel connector (cable that goes from the power button to the motherboard)
  15. Disconnect any other cables that are connected to the motherboard.
  16. You will not have to remove the hard drive or CD-ROM from the computer unless they are in the way. On most computer cases they are out of the way.
  17. On some systems, you have to remove the power supply. If that is the case for your system, then remove the power supply.

 

To install the motherboard do the following

  1. Disconnect every single cable in the back of the computer. This includes the power cord. Do not leave anything connected.
  2. Push the power button (with the power cord disconnected) This will drain any power built up in the system.
  3. Open computer case (you will need to consult the manual on this since there is numerous types of cases and each have their own way of opening)
  4. DO NOT BLOW ON ANY DUST YOU SEE (Your breath has moisture and electronics do not like it)
  5. Touch a metal part of the computer. Also if you have a static wrist band wear it.
  6. Install the motherboard
  7. Install the processor/CPU
  8. Install the power supply if you had to remove it to remove the motherboard
  9. Install the power connections to the motherboard from the power supply
  10. Connect the control panel connector (cable that goes from the power button to the motherboard)
  11. Plug the power cord in the system
  12. Turn the computer on.
  13. You should see signs of life. Most systems have beep codes. If your system has beep codes, check the beep code to see what error you are getting. You should be getting one of the following beep codes... beeps indicating no memory installed, beeps indicating incorrect memory installed, beeps indicating no video card detected or other memory beeps. (The exact beeps or indications vary depending on system). Also some systems have small LED lights in the back to indicate what step in the P.O.S.T. failed.
  14. If you are getting the proper beep codes and/or LED lights, then install the memory.
  15. The beeps should change or the system may stop beeping
  16. If you have an integrated video card, connect the monitor and see if you get video. If you don't than you may have a bad monitor, processor/CPU or cable not connected properly or possible hardware issue
  17. If everything is working OK, then install one piece of hardware at a time and see if the system works. If the system fails then you know the last item crashed the system and you will know what that device is. If you install more than one piece than you won't know what item caused the issue. Sometimes more than one device goes bad or a bad device will take out another device with it.
  18. If all devices are connected and it is working then the computer is setup correctly.