Surefire way to confirm my Motherboard is dead

[shaitan00]

So - a few days ago my PC just died (while using it windows froze, I hit RESET and it wouldn't come back up) - no matter how many times I tried the motherboard would power up for 1-2 seconds after pressing power then automatically shut off.

I assume the issue was Power Supply related so today I went out and bought a new one, well now at least the machine powers up and stays powered up but nothing happens... all the lights/fans go on but nothing appears on my monitor. So I took out my RAM and tried again and still nothing (dead silent) but everything powers on fine.

Now I assume my Motherboard must be dead as well (cause without RAM shouldn't it at least BEEP a few times at me?). Anyways before buying a replacement motherboard I was wondering if anyone knew of another test(s) that I could perform to be 100% sure it is my motherboard and not, for example, maybe my video card, etc....
Thanks,

 

[flabbergasted]

I'd test to see if the video card is defective first. Unfortunately you'd need access to another rig. And if you had access to another rig you might just as well test to see if your cpu is fried or not. Logically if your video card, cpu and memory all work fine on a different MB then we can make the conclusion that your MB is dead. (duh) Sorry, don't know a simpler way to get at the problem.

 

[kaoru780]

It is very likely that your mobo went to Motherboard heaven

 

[subtlewordplay]

Seems like you exhausted all your options.

What kind of mobo? Memory are you using? Insted of buying a new psu, you could have "jumped" the psu, by connecting a paperclip (or wire) to a green and black wire... to test the psu.

Have you tried a bios clear? And if you have two sticks of ram, try switching slots, or individual sticks to rule out one bad ram (from cold boot). Were you overclocking?

Like you said, if your mobo didn't beep, it can most likely not be the ram and possibly be a dead motherboard or bad video card, or cpu.

If it is a mobo, depending on how old, see if you can rma it first before shelling out the cash for a new mobo.

 

[Peffse]

unfortunately I have to agree with flabbergasted... there are too many variables. I've had bad video cards that caused that trouble, same with power supplies, RAM and CPUs (all without beep codes of course). The only way to know is test them in another machine if possible.

 

[SuperFly03]

Most sure fire way is to strip it of all components except the power cables and try to turn it on. If it beeps at you then it is working, at least partially. Then start loading components one by one. The beep code should change after adding each component, at the point where the beep code (or diagnostic LED code) doesn't change you have found your issue. If instead it doesn't beep at all with nothing plugged in then it could be a corrupt BIOS (which basically renders it dead) or it is actually dead. I had a DFI board that basically did what yours is doing and I chalked it up to being fried after some diagnostic work.

Motherboards are probably the 2nd most sensitive component in a computer. :?

 

[albundy2]

break it up into little pieces with your choice of demolition equipment...
i've done that with a few cars i've had... well it's broke now for sure... :lol: :twisted: think of how much time you have spent figuring it out x how much you usually make an hour and see if it is or was worth fixing it.

 

[Ninjaz7]

Sounds like your cpu to me...borrow one(if you can).Ram usually shows errors(unless the terminals are cooked)...Don't throw in the towel yet...What kind of mobo?

 

[lmimmfn]

Now I assume my Motherboard must be dead as well (cause without RAM shouldn't it at least BEEP a few times at me?). Anyways before buying a replacement motherboard I was wondering if anyone knew of another test(s) that I could perform to be 100% sure it is my motherboard and not, for example, maybe my video card, etc....
Thanks,

no beep on no mem=>its dead, been there , sorry

 

[Raeven_Zero]

Look at your capacitors, if they are raised up or open at the top then they need to be replaced. It is a common problem with motherboards when the power is not stable. Should cost about $.50/ea at a local semiconductor store.

Also, make sure you don't have any shorts to the case, such as something metal touching the motherboard or a screw without a standoff under it.

 

[chungdokwan]

Yeah I agree with Raevan check for shorts before you do anything else.