Hard to replace a motherboard?
chellebublz
Posts: 568 Member
My computer went into a boot loop and I narrowed it down to the motherboard, processor or power supply. I decided to replace the motherboard/processor first (should be here Friday) and if it doesn't work I'll replace the power supply. What are the odds I will be able to walk myself through this without having to pay someone to do it? I've literally changed everything else on the computer before, everything else is new except the case lol. I know where alot of things plug in on the motherboard. I'm most worried about getting it all arranged in there and the voltage....
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Replies
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It's no more difficult than replacing any other part, as long as you got the correct MB that you need. Make sure your RAM, CPU etc are compatible with the new MB you chose. You shouldn't need to do anything with the voltage, etc.
Other than that, just unplug everything from old MB & unscrew it from the mounts. You may need to move the mounts to match the mounting holes on the new MB. Once they are correct then screw new MB to the mounts and replace everything to it's correct plugin spot on the new MB.
Also, if you're reusing your CPU & it's heatsink then you'll want to get new thermal paste. Make sure to remove all the old paste from the CPU prior to applying the new paste.
I'd get some zip ties or something of that nature to route your cables away from your components, esp the fans.0 -
1) unplug all the things
2) unscrew all the screws
3) remove mb
4) install new mb
5) screw all the screws
6) install memory and processor
7) put thermal paste on processor and install heatsink/fan
8) plug in all the things where they had previously been deplugified
9) enjoy0 -
That sounds insanely easy lol. I thought i would have to comlpletely empty the case, put it all back together, get the right voltage etc. maybe i can do it myself. I ordered a combo from newegg so it should all be compatible.0
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Was the original PC purchased over the counter? Sometimes PC manufacturers make it difficult to fit new mobos in their cases.0
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No, I paid someone to build it for me a few years back. I was going to do it myself but then got cold feet at the last moment that I couldn't do it. It's an Antec 900 case so it should be ok. I guess I'm getting the same worries as when I paid them to build it. I've learned alot about hardware but idk. lol0
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Good luck with it. Read the manual and go slowly. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
As an IT tech, I actually would've checked the power supply first. Far easier to change out and usually the culprit. Any chance you have another power supply you can borrow to see if that solves the problem?0 -
I don't have an extra. I mean, my fiance has one in his computer, but neither of us know how to do that and it looks complicated. So I'd rather not risk his new PC lol. Worst case scenario is I have to order a new power supply. And if so, that's alright, I needed a new processor anyhow, mine was running alot slower recently.0
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Good luck with it. Read the manual and go slowly. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
As an IT tech, I actually would've checked the power supply first. Far easier to change out and usually the culprit. Any chance you have another power supply you can borrow to see if that solves the problem?
This is exactly my thought when I read that you (OP) were trying to troubleshoot the mobo first. If you feel what an above poster mentioned about replacing a board is easy, a power supply is even easier and probably more affordable (you can always return it if that wasn't the cause).0 -
No, I paid someone to build it for me a few years back. I was going to do it myself but then got cold feet at the last moment that I couldn't do it. It's an Antec 900 case so it should be ok. I guess I'm getting the same worries as when I paid them to build it. I've learned alot about hardware but idk. lol
I have the Antec 900 too. It is a great case. You will be fine.0 -
It was just delievered, so I guess we will soon find out if I was right lol. I just have a feeling that my processor is overheating causing the boot loop.0
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It was just delievered, so I guess we will soon find out if I was right lol. I just have a feeling that my processor is overheating causing the boot loop.
Always purchase after market cooling. The one shipped with the processor is crap.0 -
It works! Thanks for all the support guys
I'm pretty pleased with myself. Both for doing it correctly and for guessing the correct problem lol. There were some loose screws on the old motherboard, so it's possible that there is nothing wrong with the old processor/motherboard, but it's working again and that's all that matters. 0 -
Congrats on getting your computer working! :drinker:0
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Replacing the motherboard in and of itself is easy. The only real difficult part is the security measures built into newer versions of Windows that prevent you from being able to swap out major hardware components without having to contact customer support because it all of a sudden thinks it's a stolen/cracked version of windows.0
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YES. I was super annoyed when all of a sudden I kept getting the Windows Activation screen saying my code was already in use. I had to call and do the activation thing with a billion numbers ugh. Not to mention I am using Windows 8 and hating it because I had to replace my hard drive a few months ago and couldn't find my Windows 7 disc, and since it's a custom built system there wasn't anything I could do to get a replacement. Windows 8 is useless and annoying if you don't have a touchscreen.0
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I have the Antec 900 case here - it's a breeze to work on. Remove the drive bays (they are on quick-mounts anyway) to make access much easier. It's no harder than building Lego these days.0
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1) unplug all the things
2) unscrew all the screws
3) remove mb
4) install new mb
5) screw all the screws
6) install memory and processor
7) put thermal paste on processor and install heatsink/fan
8) plug in all the things where they had previously been deplugified
9) enjoy
It's very easy.0 -
I have the Antec 900 case here - it's a breeze to work on. Remove the drive bays (they are on quick-mounts anyway) to make access much easier. It's no harder than building Lego these days.
Agreed! I was worried that I wouldn't know how to put it back together. It was a fun experience, I'll deft build my next system rather than have something else do it.0
