How to Identify a Dead Motherboard? [2024]

Hardware failure is almost guaranteed if POST fails and the computer does not start or turn on at all after pressing the power button. However, since the PSU (Power Supply Unit), an overheated CPU, etc., can also be to blame, this does not imply that your motherboard is defective. You have the main thing to check.

Procedure to Check a Dead Motherboard

● Check Visual Hardware 

How to identify a defective motherboard? A visual check is the first thing you should conduct. 

Capacitors that have blown or bulged are a common cause of motherboard failure. In this situation, you must replace the capacitor, but doing so calls for careful fitting. Some contemporary motherboards contain LEDs for every component to show whether a major element, such as RAM, a hard drive, or a CPU, is functional. 

● Verify PSU (Power Supply Unit) 

How is a motherboard tested? The PSU check is also necessary. 

Although PSU is just as essential as the motherboard, it is frequently ignored or underappreciated. If the power supply unit (PSU) faults, the motherboard is not to blame. If the load is too great, the system’s insufficient power supply can potentially harm other parts. PSUs can be easily tested by connecting them to working systems and turning them on. 

● Verify Beep Codes if Any 

How is a motherboard tested? Checking for beep codes should be another way to test a motherboard. 

Before starting the system to BIOS and performing POST, unplug all components except the CPU and RAM. This section has noted that the PC fails the test. It will either stop the ringing or provide a beep code that indicates where the issue is coming from. For various hardware faults, various motherboard manufacturers use different beep codes. Read our post about computer POST and Beep codes for additional details.

Symptoms of a Motherboard Failure 

Leaking or swollen capacitors can be caused by overheating, material flaws, and design aging. If a capacitor is about to blow, the motherboard might malfunction. The presence of BIOS signifies that a motherboard component has failed or is malfunctioning. A motherboard issue is not necessarily indicated by a blue screen of death (BSoD). 

Fixing a Dead Motherboard:

What should you do if, after conducting the motherboard test or diagnostic, you discover that it is dead? 

Your motherboard can be repaired if you take action. However, given the complexity of electrical components like capacitors and the danger of electrical shock, this is not a simple process. If your motherboard is still covered by its warranty, you can send it to a repair facility for a free diagnosis and replacement. If it isn’t covered under warranty, you’ll have to pay. It is preferable to get a new motherboard and switch out the defective one if the motherboard is too old to be repaired. When purchasing a new computer, make sure to consider the motherboard model for a sustainable future. 

● Windows backup 

As previously stated, a defective motherboard prevents the computer from booting. How can you back up your Windows operating system in this situation? Professional Windows backup software like MiniTool ShadowMaker can be an intelligent choice for you. The OS, disc, partition, file, and folder backup functionality is built in. You can use it to make a bootable CD/DVD disc or USB drive so you can execute a system backup on the broken PC. To download and install MiniTool ShadowMaker on your computer, click the icon below. 

Step 1: Install it on a healthy PC, select Tools, and use Media Builder to build a bootable drive. Step 2: Enter the BIOS and configure it so that the computer can start from the device. 

Step 3: Start MiniTool ShadowMaker in the MiniTool Recovery Environment, select Backup, choose the source (the system partitions are selected by default), and begin the backup process. 

● Put a new motherboard in place of the dead one. 

You can install the new motherboard on your computer after the system backup is complete. You can get a lot of assistance from this page, How to Upgrade and Install a New CPU or Motherboard (or Both).

● Back up the system to a new motherboard. 

Simply boot your computer from the bootable disc you generated after installing the new motherboard, then go to the Restore window to carry out a system image recovery. After that, the system can still not be functional due to hardware compatibility issues. The final action you should take is to use Universal Restore on the Tools tab to carry out a repair. 

Conclusion

Multiple tests can be used to benchmark a motherboard. Users of Windows 10 can visit the BIOS menu and choose from a variety of sophisticated startup options. To reach the BIOS settings panel, you can alternatively just restart your computer and press the corresponding key at the starting screen. If POST fails and the computer does not start or turn on at all after pushing the power button, hardware failure is nearly a given. The motherboard is not at fault for PSU (Power Supply Unit) problems. 

A motherboard should also be tested for hardware issues using beep codes. The computer won’t start up if the motherboard is broken. You may want to consider using professional Windows backup software like MiniTool ShadowMaker. You can use it to create a bootable CD/DVD or USB drive so you can use the damaged PC to run a system backup. You clearly already know the answers after reading this article. Additionally, you are aware of a few signs of a bad motherboard as well as some advice on what to do in such a situation.