The motherboard is the "heart" of a computer . It represents a complex system that allows all the components of the laptop to communicate with each other. So, it is undoubtedly the most expensive and important part of a laptop. However, many people face the problem of maintaining this card. With this in mind, a number of questions arise frequently, especially among curious DIY enthusiasts. And most of these questions mainly concern laptop motherboard repair.
So, in order to shed some light on these questions, we invite you to read this article. To do this, let's start with the first point, which is also crucial!
Causes of laptop motherboard malfunction
Most motherboard failures are caused by user error. Other problems are caused by poor power supply or overheating of the motherboard sections . Let's take a look at the following common failures before we get into the laptop motherboard repair session:
Broken printed conductors
This is purely mechanical damage that occurs quite often. For example, tracks can suddenly break with a screwdriver. This has happened often during the processor installation process and especially if you apply considerable force. Moreover, the most vulnerable points are the parts of the board that have a hole for fixing them to the chassis with screws.
Broken capacitors or resistors
If you look closely, you will see that the motherboard is littered with capacitors and resistors . It is very easy to break them with a screwdriver or by carelessly inserting expansion cards.
Destruction of connectors and slots
It is quite easy to destroy any connector on the motherboard, especially the IDE connector . To do this, simply press firmly on it or insert and pull the cable not evenly, but at an angle. Similarly, PCI or AGP slots are also susceptible to damage.
Broken CPU socket
A processor socket can be damaged for various reasons. Typically, this is due to improper installation of the cooling system; careless actions when installing and securing the processor; rough handling of the socket latch, etc.
Engraving local ports
Many users, if necessary (or not), unplug the cord from the keyboard, mouse, modem, and other peripherals while the computer is running. This has a very detrimental effect on the motherboard ports, which are also subjected to a surge of voltage. As a result, it is impossible to control this voltage, so the ports often burn out. This is a common problem, especially with PS/2 ports .
Microcracks in the board
Such cracks form in a multi-layer board structure if it is not properly attached to the chassis. In this case, during actions related to, for example, installing expansion cards - or even simply connecting a ribbon cable from a drive, the motherboard bends. Thus, too much deflection causes the internal conductors to break , which cannot be repaired.
Poor quality expansion cards
The computer market is full of cheap, bad components that go wrong from time to time. It may happen that your motherboard is the culprit. And it's hard to predict the consequences, but in this case, the device itself will be damaged. Also, the slot in which it is installed and the motherboard's power management system can burn the RAM and processor .
Overheating of components
This malfunction is also quite common. Motherboards equipped with passive cooling systems are more susceptible to component overheating . In this case, such a cooling system does not cope with the task assigned to it. This then led to increased heat generation. At the same time, not only the "culprit" heats up, but also the neighboring parts of the board. This leads to computer instability, reboots, and failure of expensive components.
Other common causes leading to laptop motherboard repair
- Dust in the cooling system causing more heat;
- Damage to the motherboard after unqualified repair;
- Mechanical damage due to shocks and falls;
- Damage to power connectors due to the use of non-original and universal power supplies;
- Liquid entering the laptop.
A laptop flooded with water is one of the main causes of motherboard malfunction. The motherboard is located directly below the keyboard, so spilled liquid spills directly onto it. This, in turn, causes components to corrode and malfunction.
Also, if liquid gets under your PC keyboard and you can't afford to buy another laptop , what steps should be taken?
- Turn off the power and remove the battery without waiting for the operating system to shut down;
- Turn the laptop over. Place it on a flat surface with the lid slightly open;
- Never turn on your laptop to check if it is working. This can cause a short circuit and other damage;
- Take your laptop to a service center as soon as possible, where it will be disassembled and dried properly.
For example, Dépôt Electronique provides such services for the repair of laptop motherboards:
- Replacement of bridges;
- Replacing video chips;
- Repair of battery power and charging circuits;
- Replacement of multi-controllers;
- Repair and replacement of USB, Wi-Fi connectors and cables;
- BIOS Recovery;
- Laptop motherboard repair if your computer is flooded.
Main indicators that require laptop motherboard repair
When considering laptop motherboard repair, it's essential to understand a set of warning signs. If, for example, your PC isn't working properly and is displaying the following signs, you should know that your motherboard is malfunctioning. Here are some of the most common warning signs:
- Laptop won't turn on;
- The laptop power-on is unstable. That is, the laptop turns on with cyclical reboots or the power turns on and off immediately;
- No battery charge, laptop does not work on battery;
- USB ports, keyboard, touchpad and Wi-Fi are not working.
How to repair a laptop motherboard?
Laptop motherboards are compact and consume less power. This is because many of the components already on your PC's motherboard are connected to its motherboard. Similarly, laptop motherboards of different models and brands are almost never interchangeable.
Furthermore, to avoid having to repair or replace a laptop motherboard, you must have some basic knowledge. To do this, careful handling of the laptop and protection of the cooling system are important. Also, for a better repair of your motherboard, you must consider these 4 elements below:
- The graphics card
- The processor
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- The hard drive
However, there are no general guidelines for repairing motherboards. To do this, in order to determine the exact cause of your laptop's failure, it is necessary to perform a thorough diagnosis. This operation is often carried out in a professional service center , after a complete disassembly of the laptop.
Conclusion
We've reached the end of our article on laptop motherboard repair. Are you satisfied with our advice? Note that you can maintain your PC, but repairing its motherboard is a tedious task. So, entrusting this work to a repair facility is the best way to avoid damaging your PC.
For example, the staff at Dépôt Electronique has extensive experience in repairing laptop motherboards of various models and brands. By repairing your laptop at this professional center, you will receive high-quality service. You will also be sure that your laptop will not lose its performance for many years to come!
