individual components of the computer are located on the mainboard. If your mainboard is defective, the first thing to worry about the entire system

How to recognize a defective computer motherboard

The main circuit board, also known as the mainboard or motherboard, is the central component of your computer. Because the individual components of the computer are located on the mainboard. If your mainboard is defective, the first thing to worry about is the entire system. We want to take away this fear and show you how to recognize a defective motherboard.

Motherboard: the central control point of your computer

This includes the slots for the RAM memory and the socket for the processor, but also the BIOS chip.

In addition, some hardware components are now permanently installed on the motherboard. These so-called onboard components are, for example, network and sound cards.

In the case of laptops, this also applies to the graphics card. Either way: all the important components of the computer hardware are linked to one another via the mainboard.

Because of this, it's often difficult to determine if problems with your computer are due to a single component or if the motherboard itself is defective.

We'll give you clues and tips on how to figure out if the motherboard is to blame.

Identify defects by process of elimination

Even with a desktop computer, changing the mainboard is often a challenge.

For this reason, you should only take this step if you are sure that your mainboard is defective.

Often, however, you have no choice but to check the functionality of various components to find out whether the starting difficulties are related to the mainboard.

In other words, just because your computer may no longer turn on doesn't mean the motherboard has been affected.

It is therefore important to put the computer through its paces and to proceed with a process of elimination.

Mainboard defective - total failure of the computer

If we take a look at the function of the mainboard, it is hardly surprising that a hardware defect leads to a complete failure of the PC functions.

The mainboard can be seen as the heart of the computer, it is the PC, so to speak. For you this means first of all:

If you turn on your computer and nothing happens, it's possible the motherboard is cracking.

This is especially true if the LED light is also not responding. However, the motherboard does not have to be to blame.

If you have just assembled your computer yourself or replaced components, it is possible that you have incorrectly plugged in the connectors.

The ON button is often not connected to the corresponding slot on the mainboard. If this is not the case, you should check basic things to be on the safe side:

Is the computer connected to the power supply or has someone pulled the plug while vacuuming? Especially popular with families with rodents:

Could the power cord be damaged or have a loose connection? Alternatively, it could also be the case with laptops that the battery is defective.

In this case, try starting the computer with the power supply.

image signal? None!

We all know it: A symptom does not make a cancerous growth. Nevertheless: With a defective mainboard, it is common for your computer not to emit a video signal.

That means your screen stays black. Of course, one possibility here is that there are problems with the cable. If this is not the case, the graphics card could have given up the ghost.

If you have just pulled updates, there is also a small chance that there is a software problem. The first step, in this case, is to connect an external monitor.

This works for both laptops and desktop PCs. In the latter case, you must connect the external screen to the onboard connector provided.

If nothing happens and the computer doesn't start up, the mainboard is probably defective.

Beep stays off

Many desktop computers will beep when they start up. This is a loud signal from the BIOS.

The BIOS emits various beeps when there are problems in the software and hardware. These tones can be read and give the first indication of defective components.

But be careful: The error codes can also be switched off manually so that your computer doesn't make a peep when you start it.

Your computer has never made a sound signal at startup? Then it may be that your motherboard simply has no speakers. They can be retrofitted if necessary.

In all other cases, ie if your computer suddenly remains silent, it may be in connection with other symptoms that your mainboard has gone over the Jordan.

CPU is not controlled

Another indication that your motherboard is defective is provided by the CPU - strictly speaking, the control of the CPU, ie the processor.

Usually, you start your computer and it accesses the processor. Even if no LED lights up and you shouldn't have an image signal, leave the computer "running" for a while and wait.

Then switch off the device and carefully check the cooling fins of the processor. If your computer can still control the CPU, it should radiate heat.

If this is not the case - you guessed it - either the processor itself or the motherboard could be defective.

Especially in combination with the other symptoms listed here, the latter is very likely and you will have to deal with replacing the motherboard.

But be careful: If the processor's fans aren't spinning, if they're very dirty, or if the connection is simply loose, the computer won't start either to prevent the CPU from overheating.

Replacing the mainboard - is not that expensive at all

In order to prevent misunderstandings and frustration, it should be said right away that repairing the mainboard is often not actually possible.

The circuit board is highly integrated, which is why an exchange is usually essential. That may be annoying, but it's not a broken leg.

New components usually don't cost the earth. The most important thing is to make sure that all old components are compatible with the new component.

If you are unsure, get advice from a specialist.