In my 30 years of experience as a computer technician, a motherboard is one of the most challenging components to diagnose due to the number of components connected to it.
If a motherboard fails, you could have blue screens, freezing, beeps, inability to detect USB drives and other hardware, and more. This guide will teach you how to test a motherboard with a multi-meter before installing other PC parts.
Necessary Tools
You will need the following tools to complete your motherboard diagnostics testing.
How To Test A Motherboard
Before you place your brand new motherboard into the case, you need to POST (Power-On-Self-Test) the motherboard to verify that it works and that you didn’t receive a motherboard that isDOA (Dead On Arrival).Here is how you can test the motherboard is working or not.
If the computer boots to the BIOS, you are good to go. Unplug everything, and install the motherboard into your case and install everything as usual. If your motherboard did not POST, retry the steps again, and if it still fails, contact the motherboard manufacturer and request an RMA to get a newmotherboard.
How To Diagnose Motherboard Failures
Motherboards can be one of the most stubborn components to diagnose due to the sheer number of tiny parts embedded in them. In my experience, when motherboards fail, they typically will not boot, power on, or anything. The following steps can help narrow down your symptoms.
How To Test A Motherboard With A Multimeter
If you cannot diagnose your motherboard with the steps listed above, it is time touse a multimeter. you may purchase one at your local hardware store or onAmazon. This one at Amazon sells for less than $13 and works great.
If you have a multimeter, then you will be able to detect issues with the motherboard easily. Even if you have never used a multimeter in the past, I will walk you step-by-step on how to test your motherboard for component failure.
How To Check Ac Voltage
The first thing you want to look for with the multimeter is ashort circuit. These are common issues and can happen when there might be a surge in electricity. Below we will be verifying theAC voltageof the motherboard.
How to check DC Voltage
To checkDC voltages, follow the steps below. The steps here are slightly different than AC voltages.
If you have found that the motherboard has failed,don’t try repairingit on your own. Even if a repair is successful, improper voltage regulation could destroy everything in your computer. It is always better to have an experienced electronic technician repair the motherboard orreplace itthan venturing to fix it yourself.
FAQs
How to Test Motherboard Without CPU?
You don’t have to have a CPU to verify that the motherboard is working and powering connected components like case fans and RGB lighting. I know because I have done this on numerous occasions.
How to test a capacitor on a motherboard?
Unfortunately, there is no way to test the capacitor on a motherboard withoutremoving the capacitor itself. However, you’re able to visually inspect each capacitor for rust, cracks, leaks, or bulges, and this will give you a good idea that the capacitor is damaged.
Can a motherboard be repaired?
A motherboard can be repaired by an experienced electronics technician in many cases and may still be less expensive than a replacement if it is an older PC. If you have to purchase a new motherboard, you may also have to replace the CPU and RAM.
Is replacing a motherboard worth it?
The fact that the motherboard is responsible fordistributing controlled amounts of current throughout the computer and its peripheralsmakes it very worth it. A failing motherboard could cause surges of current that could potentially destroy your RAM, GPU, CPU, etc.
What happens if my motherboard is damaged?
If you just purchased your motherboard and it was damaged when you opened it or during installation, it should be under the manufactures warranty. You will need to call the manufacture and request anRMA (Return Merchandise Authorization).
If you have had the motherboard for a long time and it is out of the warranty period, you will need to purchase a new one.
