A computer motherboard
When you have a computer hardware problem there are many possible causes. Even software can cause hardware problems. When you trace a fault to hardware and then further isolate the problem to either a CPU or motherboard, you have significantly narrowed the issue. Then it's a matter of testing the motherboard and CPU to see if either or both are faulty.
Instructions
1. Find another computer similar to yours. The only sure way to test a motherboard and CPU is to try using this hardware in another computer has no problems. You'll need a computer that has a case that fits your motherboard.
2. Open the other computer by removing the left side door. The door unscrews from the back of the case. Disconnect everything from the current motherboard. This includes disconnecting the power, pulling out the hard-drive cables and removing any cables connected to the computer case. Unscrew the motherboard from the case and lift out the motherboard.
3. Put the motherboard and CPU with the RAM intact into the other computer. Screw the motherboard into the new case to prevent any shorts. Plug the power and all the cables into the board. Install only the needed cards, such as the video card if onboard video is not built into your motherboard.
4. Try to start the computer. If the computer powers on and starts up to the point where Windows is looking for drivers, then the CPU and motherboard work. If no power comes on, make sure everything is connected tightly. If you still can't turn the computer on, switch out the CPU with a new CPU. If the computer then turns on, the CPU was bad. If the computer still doesn't turn on, the motherboard is bad and possibly the CPU as well. Replace the motherboard with a new one and connect the old CPU. If the computer doesn't start, the old CPU is bad.
Tags: another computer, motherboard with, other computer, your motherboard