Motherboard Troubleshooting

Question 1

Power Issues (warning signs)

Answer 1

• Unexpectedly shut down
• Continuously reboots itself
• May not power on at all

Question 2

Power Issues Facts

Answer 2

• Pin 8 on the power supply connects to the power
  good wire on the motherboard. If power disappears
  off that wire the motherboard shuts down
• If voltage is less than expected the power supply will
  shut down. Ex 12 volt wire have less than 11 volts

Question 3

Power Issue Solutions

Answer 3

• Purchase new power supply
• Remove the old power supply from the system
• Mount the new power supply
• Connect new power supply & other components
• Power on system & verify everything is ok

Question 4

Boot Errors

Answer 4

• Audible beeps
• Numeric Codes
• Error messages

Question 5

Distended Capacitors

Answer 5

• When the capacitors bulge or leak fluid

* Faster and more cost effective to buy new motherboard

Question 6

Missing BIOS/UEFI Settings

Answer 6

• The CMOS battery is failing or failed which causes:
  * system clock to lose time
  * setting configured in BIOS/UEFI are lost

Question 7

Overheating

Answer 7

• Inadequate air flow
• Improperly installed fans
• Failing fans
• Dust build up
• Environmental heat

Question 8

Intermitting Device Failure

Answer 8

• Device occasionally stops working
• Sometime downloading and installing the latest
  drive will solve the problem. If not then the device
  needs to be replaced

Question 9

Smoke or Burning Smell

Answer 9

• Electricity is not flowing in correct manner
• Connector not properly seated and electricity is
  arcing between leads
• Short circuit in the printed circuit board of the
  motherboard or expansion board
• Improperly installed component
• Shut off immediately if smoke or burning smell
• Replace component if smoking most likely ruin