Can a cracked motherboard fry a CPU and GPU?

[daredevil1935]

As the title says, I'm wondering if a cracked motherboard and fry a CPU and GPU. I was putting a new computer together and it wouldn't work. I know I connected everything right, and it wouldn't work. So I took it to my local computer repair place and asked if they could put it together. They called a week later and said that the motherboard has a crack on it and that they think the CPU and GPU are fried. I don't know if they tested them in a working computer or not because I have been in the store and I don't think they have the necessary computers for testing. Thank you for any answers you can supply.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yes, it could definitely take out pretty much everything. I'd want to test the components individually in a known working rig though to determine that for certain, as you indicated. That being said, having a cracked motherboard doesn't inherently mean that the CPU and GPU ARE bad though. In fact, it's probably more likely that they are not, than that they are. It's entirely possible though depending on when and how the motherboard was cracked.

 

[alexoiu]

A crack would interrupt circuits, therefore, I don't think that other components would get damaged. But... difficult to say for sure. However, since under warranty, you can try RMA-ing them.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Who said they were under warranty? I don't recall any mention of that. He said he took it to a local computer repair shop to be tested. I don't think he bought the parts at that facility. And depending on how and when the crack occurred, it could have many results. If it was cracked while running, or if the damage forced two unintended circuits together, there could be a direct short which would be BAD for the CPU, GPU and RAM. It could even immediately kill the PSU if it's an unprotected platform.

 

[alexoiu]

Who said they were under warranty? I don't recall any mention of that. He said he took it to a local computer repair shop to be tested. I don't think he bought the parts at that facility. And depending on how and when the crack occurred, it could have many results. If it was cracked while running, or if the damage forced two unintended circuits together, there could be a direct short which would be BAD for the CPU, GPU and RAM. It could even immediately kill the PSU if it's an unprotected platform.

Just citing from his post:
"I was putting a new computer together"

I didn't see your post, otherwise I wouldn't have answered.

 

[daredevil1935]

Who said they were under warranty? I don't recall any mention of that. He said he took it to a local computer repair shop to be tested. I don't think he bought the parts at that facility. And depending on how and when the crack occurred, it could have many results. If it was cracked while running, or if the damage forced two unintended circuits together, there could be a direct short which would be BAD for the CPU, GPU and RAM. It could even immediately kill the PSU if it's an unprotected platform.

It was a brand new build. I was putting all together. When everything was together, plugged in the PSU and nothing happened. Computer had never been run.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Well, then it looks like Alexoiu is on the right track when he says you should RMA the motherboard. If it was somehow damaged in shipping or had a manufacturers defect, there's no reason they shouldn't cover it unless it was something that happened while you were assembling it. Overtightening the standoff fasteners to the motherboard or getting a little too happy on the CPU cooler can easily crack a board, especially if it's got a thinner PC board material.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I didn't see your post, otherwise I wouldn't have answered.

Why? You're just as welcome to offer suggestions as I am. Every member has the potential to have an insight that might be overlooked or simply wasn't on the radar of another member, so as long as you're actually attempting to provide a solution there's no reason for you to not post an answer if you can contribute something to the thread. We know some members that aren't in it for that, and would rather post stupid comments or try to knock somebody elses views, but I know you're not that kind of member, so it doesn't apply.