What's a positive sign of a bad motherboard?

Question

What's the best indication that a mobo is defective?

What must you prove in order to accurately determine that a mobo is at fault when you're told a mobo is defective?

In other words, if someone told you a mobo is bad, what questions would you ask to assure yourself that this person is knowledgeable about mobo's?

How do you tell if a mobo is defective....and what can be done to fix a bad mobo?

Excuse my method of questioning but people often say the questions was too vague to answer accurately.....I'm simply trying to make sure everyone understands what I'm asking. I hope this question is clear enough for all.

Answer 1

There really isn't a good indication until you're positive that it's not your other hardware so I'd say, when your computer doesn't boot up, then it's possibly your motherboard.

I guess maybe, your motherboard power light doesn't turn on

Really it's not that easy to answer. Usually ALL of your hardware stops working when your motherboard dies. There's also parts of your motherboard that can stop working.

So let's say your computer won't boot. It says "No operating system can be found". You'd suspect this to be a bad hard drive. You replace the hard drive after realizing that it was plugged in and everything but it just didn't work. The new hard drive is installed but it still won't boot. That's when you know it's your motherboard. Same thing applies to almost any part connected to your motherboard.

Answer 2

If the manufacturer has written the name BIOSTAR on the mobo, thats usually a really good indicator HA! But seriously, if it doesn't power at all, powers up for 1-3 seconds and shuts off; or does not emit any post codes, and clearing the CMOS does nothing, then it is in your best interest to shell out at least $40 for another board. You can also try removing the board from the case and removing evertything accept the processor and a stick of ram, and see if it powers correctly.

Answer 3

You don't fix a bad motherboard - you replace it.

This would also be a good way to determine whether a person is knowledgeable about motherboards - ask them what can be done to fix a bad one. If they give any answer besides replace it, they're not very knowledgeable.

Fifteen years ago when a motherboard costs hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars, it was worthwhile to attempt board-level repairs. These days, when most motherboards cost less than a hundred bucks, it doesn't make sense. The cost of the technician and necessary equipment far outweigh the savings from repairing the board instead of replacing it.

Answer 4

Hmm not sure about your questions but I can say that if you take it in some place like tiger direct or where you bought it from they can usually hook a device to it to see if the mobo is bad or not. Kind of like an engine diagnostic for a car.

Answer 5

The 3 beeps of death. If you apply power and the mobo does nothing but beep, that's it. Maybe soldering a bad connection could fix it, but better to buy a new mobo.

Answer 6

you can tell if she is not turning on and wont let you do a reformat...also if it just keeps turning on and off like a possessed demon.

Answer 7

DANCING http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuLjuD3XrXI

HANGING OUT WITH THE WRONG CROWD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2jtRWFOd04

SMOKING http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A55CzcYl7qQ

BEING EMO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjXhwFAT_SU

These are all signs of a bad motherboard

Answer 8

They make a good frisbee.