Any laptop or personal computer is not an indivisible device, but consists of various functional blocks. Sometimes an example of an analogy with a child’s designer is quite acceptable.
The basis that connects all the components together is the motherboard, or motherboard. We can say that without it there is no computer. It is easy to guess that replacing the motherboard is a relatively complex operation that requires attention and certain rules. However, with sufficient accuracy, this work can be done by anyone.
It may seem to a person new to computer technology that replacing a motherboard is a rather rare operation. There are actually three main reasons for this:
- the need to replace a failed motherboard with a new one;
- the desire to gain access to additional configuration options;
- a complete change of platform.
Let us dwell on each of these points. Being a sophisticated electronic product, the board includes capacitors. They come in several types: classic "barrels" with electrolyte inside and solid ones. The former have more capacity, but are cheaper at the same time, so some manufacturers of motherboards use them. As a result, the cost of production can be significantly reduced. The only drawback of electrolytic capacitors is their short service life (compared to solid state). Over-rated voltage, poor-quality electrolyte, high ambient temperature, drying out - all this can lead to the fact that the capacitors on the motherboard swell and cease to fulfill their functions. They can be replaced by restoring performance. But if the failure repeats, then the replacement of the motherboard can solve the problem. Moreover, models with solid-state capacitors are more technological and devoid of these drawbacks (though their capacity is lower).
The next reason that may require replacing the motherboard is new features. Many central processors allow an increase in their operating frequency, the so-called “overclocking,” which cannot go unnoticed by application lovers demanding the speed of performing mathematical calculations. Overclocking is also possible for memory modules. In addition, some processors contain inactive cores, which can be activated by including the desired option in the motherboard's BIOS. If there are no options for enabling the necessary functions, and the components support them, then you have to resort to replacing the motherboard.
And the last reason is the decision to purchase a new processor, with which this board cannot work.
Replacements begin by disconnecting all loops (both interface and power) from the old motherboard. Then, all elements that interfere with the dismantling are removed from the housing. It can be expansion cards, power supply. By unscrewing the fixing bolts, the motherboard can be removed. Next, we remove the cooling system and the processor itself. We take out the memory modules.
Installing a replacement motherboard is performed in the reverse order, starting with the central processor. The fixing bolts are screwed into special sleeves, due to which a gap is left between the board and the case. Therefore, first you need to make sure that the screwed-in sleeves and holes of the new motherboard correspond. If this is not observed, then we rearrange them into the necessary holes in the metal of the case. Sometimes instead of bolts plastic clamps are used, they also need to be set correctly. After that, we fix the board in the case. It is recommended that under the edges of the motherboard and memory slots put a stationery gum (erase) - this will prevent the inevitable bend when connected. All loops are connected in accordance with the instructions for the board.