3 destroyed motherboards in 2 years... what is going on?

Question

I had a computer about 2 years ago that I bought brand new. Soon after I purchased it, I had to get it repaired as it simply wouldn't turn on. The diagnosis was that the motherboard was destroyed. It was replaced and I used the computer for a while after this. Until it happened again. The computer refused to turn on and again was diagnosed as the motherboard. Thinking that this was just a faulty machine, I bought a Dell and used that for a while, only for it to refuse to boot up one day. Strangely enough, it turned out the motherboard was destroyed again. Could this possibly be due to my power outlet or surge protector, or even the location of the computer? I don't know what a motherboard is or does (not extremely computer literate)... also don't know what causes a motherboard to break. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Surge protectors are like a fence and keep too much electricity from coming across; on the cheaper ones, however, if you have something on the other side of the fence that consumes a lot of power (i.e. a guitar amp) then when you cut off the power to big electricity consumer it can actually cause a surge in the power to go to other machines that are operating, as you have too much on your side of the fence.

The biggest thing you should have plugged in on your surge protector is your computer. Also tie a not in the actual power cord to the wall socket for lightening strikes.

Just curious, did they replace the power supply too or just the motherboard?

Answer 2

What I would suggest is that you try a different power socket. I suspect that the ground for the power connection is faulty. Also get your surge protector checked. The motherboard is the circuit board that provides the interconnection between the different components that make your computer work - Processor, graphics adapter, hard disk, CD/DVD Drive etc. It also plays the role of providing power from the SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) to the Processor. If your surge protector does not protect the computer's power supply from a surge, chances are that you might end up with a burnt out motherboard.

Answer 3

There are many reasons a motherboard would quit working. If you dont have your computer running through a surge protector, that would be the first thing I would think to do. Motherboards don't like power fluctuations. Heat could also be a problem. Make sure your intake vents are not clogged full of dust. I vaccuum my case out about once a month to make sure it doesn't overheat.

Answer 4

Sure wish I had more info, jc. Did anyone,(tech's), indicate what went bad on the mobo's,(motherboard's). A lot of time's capacitor's go bad on mobo's. PCchips is a motherboard manufacturer that had,(has?), problems in this area. Sorry, to regress for a moment, a 'motherboard' is the main large circuit board in a computer. All components such as the processor, ram memory, North & South bridge chipsets, BIOS chip, and so forth attach to the mobo, either in a removable state, or permanent. Please refer to Howstuffworks.com,(computers), for easy to under stand information about motherboards, and all of the components that make up a computer

Answer 5

It could be a voltage spike of sorts... or the surge protector is failing. they should be replaced every so often. the dollar store does not carry what you need. you need one that is made for electronics. It could be a mis-wired outlet. although it still works the surge protector assumes that it is wired correctly. test the plug on the wall. the larger slot is the neutral the smaller slot is positive and the round is ground.

Answer 6

Ha welcome to my life, First of all it probably wasn't your motherboard, It probably was your Power SUpply. Thats where you hook your power up. I would try going out and buying a new one you can get one for about 20 dollars, but dells are weird and i don't think you'll find one at a store, Your best bet is to let someone build a computer for you. I can build you a nice one for around 600 bucks, and cheaper if you like. They arn't that hard to build at all. Maybe you should look into that you'll learn alot.

Answer 7

first of all Dell is one of the best computer manufactures out there i have a Pentium 3 dell and i have had it since it came out about 9 years ago and my little sister uses it .it is still going strong.It has to be your house wiring.just get a surge protector.

Answer 8

AAHH! I just had my motherboard on my Dell XPS GEN3 replaced. Thankfully it was still under warranty. What caused this catastrophe? Well, believe it or not a mouse chewed through a wire going into my subwoofer, and this cord came into contact with another cord or the tower itself I dunno. The tech that came out and replaced the MB told me that this was the first one she had to replace on an XPS. Long story short, I hate mice lol!

Answer 9

in the adventure that your computing gadget fails by way of 14 complicated drives and 3 mom boards in 2 years, ask the pros to look at your computing gadget. lots greater desirable than that could desire to be incorrect. i've got in no way heard of something so loopy. next time whilst your computing gadget crashes, basically use a device recuperate if plausible. this is far less complicated and swifter. my own Toshiba works for me basically high-quality. Oh, and via the way, in case you progression your Toshiba around lots or drop it from time to time, that could have led to your concern. And in the adventure that your guarantee isn't up, call Toshiba and ask them what's incorrect. basically purchase a clean Toshiba if the failure is so often, because of the fact the fee of one among those super sort of recent complicated drives and mom boards will seize as much as the fee of a clean computing gadget fairly rapidly with your consistent computing gadget mess ups.

Answer 10

Tough luck, because it is not easy to destroy a motherboard. My only suggestions:
-Use reliable and higher wattage power supplies (ATX V2.2 is best).
-Use clean AC power, get a UPS (preferably APC brand).