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Talking about Laptop Motherboard Repair

by Quik Fix Technologies Quik Fix Technologies

If computers were buildings, then a motherboard would be their foundation. A good foundation always guarantees stable performance. With technology getting smaller, faster and quieter, diagnosing a computer has become even more complicated, especially motherboards.

 

 Easy solutions are as easy as they are annoying (it hurts your pocket most of the time). You have two options: replace damaged components/all capacitors/MOSFETs and hope for the best or replace the faulty motherboard/external component on it.

 

It's hard to get a piece of technology to work as well as it used to once it's broken. That's why most 'repair' procedures are left to hardware enthusiasts, because the best option for most other consumers is to replace it. With that in mind, we review the features we have and try to make the best out of them.

 

 The motherboard is located inside the case and consists of a microprocessor, chipset and BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The microprocessor decides the type of Central Processing Unit (CPU). The chipset constitutes two bridges: the north bridge and the south bridge. These bridges control the flow of data in the computer. The basic functioning of the computer is controlled by the BIOS, which is a real-time clock and one of the main components of the motherboard. The slots and ports on it connect computer peripherals such as the sound card or graphics card. These slots provide a connection between the hard drive and computer peripherals.

 

Read also: Get Best Laptop Computer Repair Services in Dubai

 

 Troubleshooting a Bad Motherboard

 

 When a hardware analysis is done, it can be a real headache. There is literally too much going on there to efficiently dissect the defective material and repair it. That's why most repair work is usually done by professionals or hobbyists. It takes a long time to have full control over how to handle hardware issues accurately. That being said, there are some common problems with fairly easy solutions as well. Let's take a look at the MoBo itself (motherboard) for any repair options.

 

 Capacitor Replacement

 

The constant problem of bursting capacitors is well known to professionals and enthusiasts. Capacitors are the first thing to explode in a well-built electronic unit. The problem persists wherever a capacitor is used (commonly referred to as the 'Curse of the Capacitor'). The only option for this is to replace the capacitor with a new one. Identifying a bad capacitor is easy: it's the one with the bulging top and leaking electrolytic goo. Most capacitors expel the electrolytic fluid inside them. It dries on the outside of the top of the capacitor or leaks onto the circuit board. In the worst case, the capacitor explodes due to too much electrical stress. If you don't see any damage on them, you can still check them using a capacity gauge or a millimeter.

 

 To replace the capacitors you will need:

 

 – a program-controlled soldering station with soldering and disordering irons

 

– genuine capacitors of the same capacity as the old ones

 

– welding experience and knowledge of the risk involved.

 

Because one false move and you will damage the board's internal circuitry and lose the board completely. You have to unsolder the bottom pins of the board, take out the dead capacitor, put the new one in and solder the pins back; all in one shot. You need to be extremely careful with the polarity of the capacitor. If you put it the wrong way, the capacitor will burst almost as soon as you turn it on.

 

Diagnostics of motherboard components

 

 

POST verification with beep codes

 

To diagnose a problem, you need to know where to look. The first stop would be the BIOS POST (Power-On Self-Test). If your computer (not your speakers, your case) beeps when you start it up, it means there is a problem with certain parts of the MoBo. This is good (relatively speaking) because the beeps will directly tell you what is wrong. Pay close attention to the type of beep sound (the duration – short or long and the number of beeps). Search online for 'computer beep code' and you should have figured out which component is at fault. This will only work if the pieces are about to fall. If something goes wrong, your computer will likely not start and you will have to figure out the problem manually.

 

Manual diagnosis and repair

 

If your computer keeps crashing or refuses to boot, you will have to identify and combat the problem by examining each part of the MoBo individually.

 

PSU diagnosis

 

The power supply is the most common component to explode. This is one reason why most hardware maintenance people carry spare PSUs wherever they go. Detecting a PSU failure is also easy. If your PC doesn't start when you turn it on, the fault is almost always with the PSU. To be sure, make sure the power socket you plugged your PC into or the surge protector (more advisable rather than plugging directly into the power supply) is properly plugged in and working. If your power supply is good and the power cables are checked and fine, then it's your PSU.

 

Solution:

 

Replacing is also easy; open the case, check the model (they are usually the same, brand and quality change) and buy the new one. Remember what goes where when you take out the old power supply and plug in the new one in the same way.

 

Video Adapter Diagnostics:

 

Also known as a video card or graphics card, the video adapter is what puts all the images on your monitor. If the PSU is ok, check this next part. If your computer turns on, the keyboard responds (press the 'num lock' key. The respective light should come on), but you don't see anything on the monitor (which is on), it's your video card that is broken.

 

 Solution:

 

The solution could be as simple as updating the driver to something like baking the card in the oven to reconnect the solder joints. The latter is a last-minute effort because it risks destroying not only your card, but your oven as well! The problem can also result from overheating and dust collection (most common problems) to faulty construction and solder disconnection. Static discharge is another problem I discussed later. If there is overheating or dust, clean the card and heat sink to ensure it works properly. In case of any other problems, you will have to replace the card or try the oven trick. But I strongly advise you not to do it if you don't know how, and also because it's just a temporary measure. The card will die sooner or later.

 

RAM diagnostics

 

Its usual signs of RAM failure include BSoD (Blue Screen of Death), slow compute speeds, and slow startup. The first step is to verify that the RAM is correctly inserted into the slot provided. Improper insertion of RAM modules must be checked. If the RAM is positioned correctly and your computer is still not working, replace the RAM.

 

 

Solution:

 

RAMs are also quite prone to damage due to power surges and static discharge. Replacing it is relatively cheaper and easier, so it won't be too bad if it happens. Diagnosis

 

of Power Connections: If the RAM is seated and working properly, check whether the CPU is inserted perfectly into its socket or not. It is possible that one of the CPU cables is not properly inserted into the socket. This case is possible when you have upgraded your CPU. The heatsink module inside the case is mounted on the CPU, so it is quite possible that one of the CPU wires is bent due to the weight of the heatsink.

 

Solution:

 

Check that the CPU cables are correctly inserted into their respective sockets. If you are unable to insert the cables correctly into the socket, it is likely that the socket is faulty or the CPU you have is not the right one for your computer's motherboard. Secondary Solutions and Additional Precautions

 

 Updating the BIOS

 

This is another way to fix the problem, but there are some very important things you need to know about this. First, you need to confirm that the problem is with the firmware and not with the MoBo hardware or its components. This is done by individually testing each part for power and process output. You should also confirm that all capacitors on the MoBo are working. Second, the process itself is very, very risky if not done correctly. This is because it is the BIOS that contains the key to start your computer correctly. A bad BIOS chip or firmware means an uncivilizable PC.

 

If you want to do it, the tip is to create the “BIOS” flash, you will need a firmware 'image' corresponding to the motherboard model. The process is basically equivalent to updating your BIOS to a newer or the same version.

 

It's called 'flashing' because the firmware is stored in flash memory.

 

To do this, you must first check which company your BIOS and model number are from.

 

Afterwards, all you have to do is go to their website, search for their model, and look for relevant updates. Store the code on a CD or USB flash drive. Insert the CD/USB drive and restart your PC. The executable file of the drive will be launched, after which just follow the on-screen commands.

 

The process takes about 10 seconds. Another problem here is that if there is a power failure during the update process, you run the risk of having incomplete code in the BIOS, ruining it. The process itself is quite easy, but I strongly recommend that you don't do it unless you really know it's the only solution, because the stakes are too high.


 

Static Discharge

 

A circuit board can be easily damaged by static electricity because it causes a small power surge, which is enough to kill the fragile circuit. Therefore, you need to take two precautions:

 

  

The first is to provide proper grounding to the power outlet the PC is connected to. An unearthed terminal is bad for the PC.

 

The other problem is human contact with the boards. Any time you touch the metal on the case or boards directly while handling them, you run the risk of passing static current through them. This current is generated when your socks or hair brush against the rug or sofa. That's why it's good to touch something metallic other than your computer before handling your parts.

 

As always, remember to keep a backup of all your data before handling computer components. Also, never try to fix something you think is broken. Always confirm the problem and then fix it. If you try all of this with an old MoBo, that's even better. It makes for a good learning experience before you move on to things like repairing or customizing your current computer.

 

  

Well this post was something very technical and for people who are specialized in the subject, DF Notebooks does not recommend anyone to venture out and try to do it if they are not completely sure what they are doing and is not responsible for any type of problem that the end user does. on your motherboard.

 

We have a serious and efficient team that works with cutting edge equipment to better serve you in case you have a problem that requires Laptop repair Dubai on your motherboard.


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About Quik Fix Technologies Innovator   Quik Fix Technologies

16 connections, 1 recommendations, 73 honor points.
Joined APSense since, December 30th, 2021, From Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Created on Mar 12th 2022 00:12. Viewed 246 times.

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