I need to replace my motherboard, how do i know what the old one is?

Question

I have an old, old, old Gateway machine that recently blew it's motherboard..I have since purchased a newer computer, but I desperately want to replace the motherboard in my old Gateway. I have the motherboard in front of me; RAM, processor, serial numbers and all....but I don't have a clue what model it is...HELP ME!!!

Answer 1

The best thing would be to buy the same model computer, used, on e-bay, and you get all of the parts, including the motherboard, for less than what Gateway will charge you for just the motherboard.

If you want the model number, then get the serial number off of it, go to the Gateway web site, plug it in and they will tell you what model it is.

Answer 2

If it truly is an old, old, old Gateway, you may not be able to replace the motherboard with the exact same model. But, do not despair, because that means you can buy a *new* and *better* motherboard that will serve you even better. As I write that, it dawns on me that your RAM and processor probably won't fit into a new and better motherboard.

Actually, the more I think about this, the more I realize that you are not just talking about the motherboard, but in fact you are speaking about the motherboard and everything that's attached to it, such as the memory, the CPU chip, etc. Realize that, depending on how old your Gateway is, it may not be possible to replace all of these components with the same items, because they may be discontinued. Heck, even today AMD is sunsetting one of their major CPU chipsets.

Anyway, so you say the motherboard is blown. How do you come to this conclusion? If the motherboard itself is blown, then even if you could salvage the RAM and processor chip, they won't necessarily fit into a new motherboard, which probably uses a different chipset and different RAM. Then again, maybe your motherboard is fine and another component on the board is blown? I've had expansion ports fry on a motherboard, but the other ports remain perfectly usable.

I would advise the following steps:

1. Contact Gateway with the model number of your PC, and they may be able to tell you what model of motherboard was used in that series.

2. If Gateway can't give you this information, or if the motherboard is no longer in production, check eBay for the same model of Gateway PC, and then you can salvage the motherboard out of that one. It is more likely that you will find the same Gateway PC for sale on eBay, in which case you'd be replacing your nonworking PC with the same model. It is less likely that you would find the exact motherboard in an auction all by itself.

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Answer 3

No you cannot use any motherboard to replace your old one IF you want it to be exactly the same,. This is so the processor will fit appropiately. In your case though , since you want a MB that can hold about 3 GB, you need to buy a newer MB which should cost you a pretty penny. If you play a lot of games or use very heavy programs I recommend you get a MB WITHOUT the video card so you can get better graphics. And yes MB's come without processors. Only the cheap MBs come with processors (Celeron to be exact). So when you go to buy a new motherboard make sure you aks for the socket number that way the processor will fit in perfectly. And when you install the parts try to use an anti-static because you feel like crap when you realize you just burnt a lot of money with your "magic touch". Good luck.

Answer 4

You need to find the documents for it. You can do that at Gateway's website. There type in the computer model and look for computer description. That should have what type of motherboard it's, but if not, try looking for a serial number on the motherboard then google it. You should find out what type it's that way. Lastly, if that doesn't work try a combination, google that computer model and add replacement motherboard. you should find it, as well as, similar motherboards that you could install to replace it.

Answer 5

There should be an FCC identifier number on the board. You can go to google and find an FCC reference look up. There you type in the FCC number to get the manufacturer. If this is an emachine, don't be fooled as you can buy replacement boards on eBay for half the price for an exact replacement. My question at this point, is why do you want to replace an not upgrade the MB? There are many upgrade boards available that will still use the old ram and processor. As for the model number, that will highly depend on the manufacturer. Most of the time, the model number is located on the south end of the board, near the ISA, or Video card slots.

Answer 6

At the Gateway website, go to the service section and see what replacement parts that they they offer. Use the Model number of the computer, that appears on the front of the case.

If this motherboard costs more than $300, consider spending $450 for a new computer. You can get Software, CD-Burner, faster processor, more memory, new keyboard, new Mouse and other stuff in a TOWER only configuration, and even a brand name like HP and Compaq at stores like STAPLES, Wal-Mart. Even Circuit City has a deal on a tower only, but they do charge a RESTOCKING FEE if you don't like it. (the others don't)

Answer 7

Companies like Gateway and Dell have their motherboard specifically made for them because they only use crappy board (for cost reduction). If these motherboards are in the open market, no one would touch them. Why don't you just buy a decent new motherboard and you maybe able to use the RAM, hard drive, power supply, and the case. It is easier and you will get better performance.

Answer 8

You don't really have to get the exact same motherboard. Just pick a motherboard with the same form factor. Try to match the specs of your new motherboard to the specs of the parts you have left over that you want to re-use.

Answer 9

Try searching hwinfo32 in yahoo and install to check the info on your motherboard.

Good luck!

Answer 10

depends on the cpu
if its a slot 1,intel or amd, pentium 2 ect.
and ram type, probly sd ram if its old.
so get the cpu specs then u know wat moby to get.