Best Way to Test A Mobo (potentially damaged)

[Mikestum]

I was dismantling an old rig and one of the mobo spacers was stripped so I had to use pliers to help remove it.... I lightly scratched the back of the mobo about half an inch across. This mobo wont be used anymore (unless I want to build a media machine or something down the road) but I'd still like to know if it is a brick.

What do you guys recommend I do? Rebuild and test it or just chuck it out. I am unaware as to the resiliency of mobos...

If the best bet is to test it, what are the minimum requirements I need to test it's functionality... I have an extra of everything to test it with except a hard drive...

Motherboard in question is an Asrock 990FX Extreme 3

 

[The_Staplergun]

Test it. Cpu, psu, some form of hard drive, and at least one stick of ram. I'd recommend a display to see if it posts.

Also don't just throw the cpu on the board without some form of cooler.

Check in the slice to see if you can see if it maybe hit circuitry. It may be impossible to see, but it Might, with a slim chance, be able to be seen.

 

[Mikestum]

It went over one of those zig zaggy lines that are all over the mobo... dunno what those are actually called...

I dont have another case to test it in. Could I just build to test on my desk w some antistatic buddle wrap under the components ? Can i just use an external hd for the hd. Sry if these questions are dumb... just trying to learn

 

[The_Staplergun]

Not dumb questions. I'm not sure if an external works or not to be honest. I think it will as long as it has windows installed.

If you did cut the printed microcircuits it's probably done.

Yes you can run it outside a case, it's called breadboarding.

 

[Mikestum]

So pretty much any scratch along the micro circuits probably wrecked it? Dang...

I've heard some things about nail polish being used on mobos. Is this applicable at all in this situation?

 

[The_Staplergun]

I've never heard of that. I wouldn't do it either. If you cut the microcircuits you're pretty much guaranteed board failure. It may still work. It depends on what ones are cut. There's no telling without getting super technical.

 

[Mikestum]

upon taking a picture with flash it kind of looks worse...

 

[The_Staplergun]

Oh that's not that bad. I'd use it. Breadboard it and give it a whirl.

 

[Mikestum]

Ty sir. You have given me hope!