Test a Motherboard Using Another PC
When a desktop computer stops working properly or will not power on at all, many different components could be the culprit, including the motherboard. To test a motherboard, you can remove it and place it in another PC to see if that computer experiences the same problem.
Instructions
1. Check the manual that came with your processor and note what type of socket it connects to. Check the manual for the motherboard on your secondary computer and make sure it uses the same type of socket.
2. Power off the computer that has the motherboard you want to test. Remove all of the cables from the back of the machine and set the case on its side on a table or desk. Remove the two screws on the top of the case and the two screws on the bottom, and then push down on the side panel. Slide the panel away to the left and pull it off of the case.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the drives and expansion cards in place. Remove all of the SATA cables connected from the drives to the motherboard and then remove all of the drives and cards. Unsnap the plastic holders from the sides of the RAM modules, and then pull them out. Remove the processor fan by pushing off the metal clamps, and then pull it off. Pull up on the processor to remove it from the motherboard and carefully set it aside. Remove all of the screws holding the motherboard down and then pull it out of the case.
4. Repeat the process on the secondary computer of removing the cables and pulling all of the parts out of the case. Set the motherboard down onto the mounting screws on the secondary case and then put in the other screws to hold it in place. Put the RAM, hard drive, power supply, processor, and processor fan from the second computer back onto the original hard drive. Leave all of the other components out so you can properly test the motherboard.
5. Put the side panel back on the second computer, plug it back in, and then turn it on. If the computer works properly, the problem lies with a piece other than the motherboard. If the secondary computer does not power up, the motherboard is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Tags: secondary computer, then pull, Check manual, hard drive, motherboard down