This article discusses fundamental motherboard troubleshooting techniques, typical errors, and unwelcoming return policies, should something go wrong.
Sometimes motherboards won’t boot for strange reasons. According to our experience, users are typically the main cause of motherboard issues. Most unbootable situations, with the exception of user-caused damage, are easily reversible.
This article covers three fundamental motherboard troubleshooting techniques, typical errors, and unfavourable return procedures in case things go wrong.
What Causes Motherboard Boot Problems?
A motherboard failing post might result from a wide range of potential problems. Post (Power-On Self-Test) refers to completely not booting.
In general, motherboards with problems fall into one of three categories. Troubleshooting is incredibly quick and straightforward with a few basic tools, most of which you probably already own.
However, before continuing, below are some of the typical motherboard boot issues:
- Faulty or loose cable
- BIOS/UEFI errors
- Defective motherboard
If you have any of the issues listed above, your PC’s motherboard most likely won’t post or even start up at all, so take caution.
Simple Troubleshooting Tools
Here are a few straightforward tools that can help you resolve motherboard-related problems with your computer:
- Motherboard tester: Such testers can provide error codes if the motherboard is defective, which can help a repair expert troubleshoot with ease.
- PC Speaker: If you don’t have a speaker in your computer case, these can plug directly into the motherboard and provide “beep” error codes.
- Jumper: A jumper plugs into a specially designated portion of your motherboard, clearing the CMOS memory. This will reset your motherboard.
- Non-conductive surface: Some builders use cardboard. As long as the surface is non-conductive, you should be alright. However, we recommend building it inside the case.
The Troubleshooting Process
It takes little effort to troubleshoot your motherboard. You must first make sure that all of your components are properly placed.
Next, look for faults in your BIOS/UEFI (preboot environment). Check to see if your motherboard isn’t genuinely faulty.
1. Start With the Easy Stuff and Check Your Wires
In general, loose cables or incorrectly seated components are the main causes of unbootable computers. There are only four components that need to be checked for issues when using the proper build approach.
In order for a computer to start up, only the following are needed:
- One stick of RAM
- A power supply
- A CPU
- A motherboard
Modern computers incorporate a GPU into the CPU or motherboard. You can avoid potential issues with a discrete graphics processor, hard drive, or other peripherals by booting with a limited number of components.
A small speaker can also be connected to your motherboard’s speaker connection. This will make it possible to create “beep” fault codes that will alert you to any potential motherboard issues.
A non-bootable scenario could indicate that one or more of the earlier components have a problem or are connected improperly.
2. Inspect for Physical Damage
Like other complicated systems, motherboards are composed of delicate subsystems. Therefore, you should look out for physical harm. If you’re a nerd, you may also look for blemishes on your motherboard’s integrated circuits.
Additionally, mechanical stressing ports in numerous tight-fitting situations may damage delicate components. While electrostatic discharge does not physically leave a trace, faulty SATA cable insertion or removal can leave very obvious, obvious indicators of harm.
You should also be aware that any connected subsystems with the drive, like the SATA ports and connectors, may be to blame if you experience hard drive issues throughout your setup.
The capacitors on the motherboard can keep supplying current long after the CMOS battery has been removed. But why is a battery necessary for a motherboard?
This is so that your motherboard’s memory can remember its settings, which requires a steady flow of electricity. However, if these configurations result in boot failure, you must stop the flow of electricity to erase its memory.
3. Reset Your Motherboard
The software on your motherboard may be the problem. You have three choices if you can’t post (access the BIOS/UEFI).
Remove the CMOS battery first. Apply a jumper for a few minutes next. Third, use a jumper, take the CMOS battery out, and wait the following day.
- CMOS Battery Pull: This is the lightest method. Simply pull the CMOS, coin-sized battery, and wait ten minutes. This should reset your motherboard to factory settings.
- Jumper Reset: Simply attach a jumper to the motherboard’s two- or three-pin connector. Then carefully apply the jumper over the two pins for ten minutes.
- Deep Reset: Simply pull the CMOS battery and put the jumper over the designated portion of the motherboard, gently. Then let it drain away any residual power overnight.
You should be able to quickly resolve the problem using any of the solutions mentioned above. The last resort is to call the service centre if you are unable to fix your motherboard’s booting problem on your own.
Where Might You Have Gone Wrong?
If you still experience difficulty after taking all the essential actions, take into account the following:
- Electrostatic discharge: Not wearing the right protective gear, or using the improper procedure, may cause a phenomenon known as electrostatic discharge.
- Bent CPU pins: Sometimes manufacturers can ship motherboards with bent pins. If you fail to observe these and insert a CPU, the pins can be damaged further.
- Bent motherboard: Overtightening the screws that anchor the motherboard to the case can cause the board to bend, which may be irreparable.
- Improperly seated RAM: Improperly seated RAM will cause your system to fail to post.
Returns, RMAs, and Refunds
Unfortunately, a lot of merchants don’t handle returned motherboards well. This is probably a response to the countless motherboards that are given back, many of which either had damage caused by users or were in perfect condition.
While many brick-and-mortar businesses accept motherboard returns, the majority of online businesses only provide a small number of returns or none at all. Read the return policies carefully, paying attention to the ones that pertain to your motherboard.
Troubleshooting a Motherboard Is Easy
There are only three simple steps needed to repair motherboard issues. First, look for physical damage on your board. Second, confirm that your cables are connected correctly. Reset your BIOS and UEFI, third.
These three easy procedures should make it easier for you to identify the cause of your motherboard’s problems, even though it can be challenging to do so. If everything else fails and you bought from a seller with a solid return policy, you can obtain a new motherboard or your money back.
