If you feel like your motherboard has any issues, whether in hardware or virtually in performance, you can perform some tests to check the faults. Software or drivers related issues in the motherboard could be fixed easily on your own, but if there is any physical damage to the hardware, you will have to take your PC/motherboard to the care center unless you are a PC hardware expert.
This article learns about different methods and tools to test a motherboard. Let’s start:
Different Methods To Test A Motherboard
There are two general methods you can check to test the working of the motherboard. You can do a physical check to examine any hardware/capacitor loss to the motherboard and some PC diagnostic tools to spot software issues.
Visually Examining the Motherboard
With the help of a screwdriver, open the panel of your PC. There is no need to disassemble the motherboard from the PC case. Take the help of a torch and have a close view of the motherboard’s capacitors and other circuitry components.
You have to check the leakage of the capacitors in the motherboard as this is most likely the reason behind the ill-functioning of the motherboard. If you spot any leakage or bulging of the capacitor, you will have to visit a computer mechanic to require accurate soldiering.
Using Tools to Test The Motherboard
The first method to test the motherboard is by doing the self-test. If your motherboard is faulty, your PC won’t start, and you will see the BIOS menu on your screen with an error message. You should update your BIOS if it is required.
The motherboard comes with several other hardware components installed on it. So you will be required to check thode components if they are working.
Here are some tools that will help you testing components on the motherboard:
1. Hot-CPU Tester
Hot CpuTester is a tool to determine the stability of the motherboard and its components. Trusted by professionals, Hot-Cpu tester defect track engine to check the general health. This specific tool consists of modules to test every component of the motherboard. The components are stressed to their maximum limits, and only stable parts survive the test. The website says Hot-Cpu tester is specially written to test motherboard, Cpu, Chipset, and memory.
2. ASTRA – Advanced Sysinfo Tool
Astra is atool to perform diagnostics and system configuration analysis. It comes with a hard drive health state checker that displays CPU, motherboard, memory modules, BIOS, etc. You also get detailed information about the device’s system hardware and operational modes. Once you get the results, you can download the reports in different text formats.
3. PC-Doctor
PC doctor is one of the leading tool developers for scanning almost everything on your Windows PC. This, however, comes at $25. The specific tool box for windows can be used to fix the PC hardware troubles and get detailed insights on system information and software utilities.
How To Test A New Motherboard?
If you just bought a new motherboard and wished to test it to confirm it is working fine. You can perform a test on your own. Here’s how to perform a test on a new motherboard.
Place your motherboard on a table and install the processor. Now attach and connect the CPU fan to the motherboard.
Install RAM in its slot(DIMM 1). Now attach the graphics card to the motherboard and a power connector if required. Plugin the ATX 24 Pin connector to the motherboard from the power supply. Now connect the monitor to the GPU or HDMI connection.
Lastly, apply thermal paste on the processor and plug the power supply into the wall socket. Complete the circuit using a screwdriver if a power switch jumper is unavailable.
If your PC turns on and displays the BIOS menu, you can unplug everything and start fitting in the case as your motherboard is working fine.
How Can I Ensure Longer Lifespan Of My PC Motherboard?
Here are some tips to help you take care of your PC motherboard.
Make sure that your motherboard is always clean and devoid of dirt particles. The motherboard is responsible for passing an electric current through all components and communicating components with each other. Keeping it covered with dust can cause heating issues. You can make use of cotton swabs/canned air to clean the motherboard.
Protect your motherboard from the electric spikes as they may damage the motherboard and other vital components on the board. You can install a surge protector to the wall socket to ensure a smooth current flow.
Please check your Power supply unit regularly as it is responsible for sending the power. Any issue in the PSU can result in an irregular power supply that can damage your motherboard.
Place your motherboard at a cool temperature and away from external heat. Always check the CPU coolers and vents if they are blocked. A minimum space of 6 inches around the CPU tower is required for airflow.
Conclusion
The smooth functioning cannot be expected without a well-working motherboard as it is responsible for communication between all significant components of a computer. You can perform regular tests on your motherboard to check if everything is fine. A visual check can, however, easily tell about the circuits. To examine the motherboard’s operations and components, try the tools listed above. There are other complex methods to test a motherboard using a multimeter, which I won’t suggest unless you are an expert in circuit boards.
I hope you loved reading this article.
