The motherboard is without doubt one of the centerpieces of each PC — for higher or worse. Motherboard issues can have an effect on quite a lot of elements and are usually not all the time straightforward to diagnose.

One of the primary indicators of a potential motherboard downside is the failure of the POST (Power On Self Test), which is carried out when the pc is began. A failed POST could point out a defective motherboard. However, it’s troublesome to find out the precise trigger.

Errors reminiscent of “Inaccessible Boot Device,” faulty RAM, or different part errors are potential. Some methods use particular acoustic alerts to establish which part is inflicting an issue. You can search for the precise alerts on-line or within the motherboard handbook.

IDG

IDG

IDG

A standard downside is the notorious “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) below Windows. BSODs will be the results of quite a lot of {hardware} or software program issues. In uncommon instances, this additionally features a defective motherboard. The error codes displayed when a BSOD happens can provide you a sign of the trigger.

It is finest to analysis them on-line for analysis. Unexplained shutdowns of your PC also can point out a motherboard downside. In such instances, you must first rule out different causes. For instance, examine the CPU temperature when idling and below load.

If the temperatures are unusually excessive with out demanding purposes operating, this might point out an issue with the CPU cooler — for instance, resulting from incorrect set up or an inadequate quantity of thermal paste.

Further studying: 6 basic mistakes to avoid when installing a motherboard

Graphics errors or artifacts are one other frequent reason for motherboard issues. They can point out a faulty PCI Express slot on the board. To examine this, you must first rule out the likelihood that it’s a downside with the graphics card itself. To do that, replace the drivers or reinstall them. If the issue persists, strive inserting the graphics card in a special slot. If this helps, the unique slot might be defective.

Asus

Asus

Asus

Problems with overclocking that result in system crashes will also be traced again to the motherboard. This could also be resulting from unstable overclocking or poor VRM high quality. Try to set a steady overclock. Alternatively, reset the CPU to the default values to see if this stops the crashes. USB peripherals that don’t work could also be an indication of defective USB ports in your motherboard. Check the units with completely different ports to see if and the place they work usually.

If the issue persists, the motherboard {hardware} is also the perpetrator. In addition, RAM or storage issues will be traced again to the motherboard as the start line. Signs of this are that your PC beeps surprisingly while you swap it on, slows down over time, or crashes with reminiscence errors.

Further studying: The right way to put RAM in your PC’s memory sockets

By changing and testing the reminiscence modules, you’ll be able to decide whether or not the issue is with the RAM itself or the slots. The motherboard also can come into play if the video outputs are usually not working. However, you must first make it possible for the cable and display screen are working correctly.

Oleksii Arseniuk / Shutterstock.com

Oleksii Arseniuk / Shutterstock.com

Oleksii Arseniuk / Shutterstock.com

A burning odor from the pc also can point out a severe fault within the energy provide unit or motherboard. Switch off the PC instantly. Only then examine it for seen indicators of melted or burnt elements. However, repairing a defective motherboard is commonly tedious and never all the time worthwhile. In many instances, it’s higher to exchange the motherboard fully.

This article was translated from German to English and initially appeared on pcwelt.de.