Lab 6.1: Removing and Replacing a Motherboard


The most difficult part of motherboard removal and replacement is keeping track of what goes where. Do not rely on your memory. Take notes, draw diagrams, and mark wires as you remove components. Without this information, reassembly becomes a guessing game. Confirm that your computer is operational before you open the computer case and after you complete the lab.

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to:

  • Remove and replace expansion cards

  • Identify major components and document the connections to the motherboard and expansion boards

  • Remove and reinstall a motherboard

Set Up

For this exercise, you will need an operational PC.

Exercise

In this lab, you will verify that your computer is operational, remove the motherboard, reinstall the motherboard, and ensure that the computer is again operational.

Testing the Computer for Proper Operation

To test the computer for proper operation,

  1. Boot the computer.

  2. Access all drives to verify that the computer is operational.

  3. Record the CMOS hard drive information.

Removing the Motherboard

To remove the motherboard,

  1. Shut down the computer.

  2. Turn off the power to all peripherals that are attached to the computer.

  3. Sketch the back of the computer as you disconnect all external cables.

  4. Remove the computer cover.

    Warning

    As soon as the computer cover is removed, ESD (electrostatic discharge) becomes a hazard to the computer.

  5. Wear an antistatic wrist strap and attach it to the computer case. If no antistatic wrist strap is available, equalize the static charge by frequently touching a bare portion of the computer case.

  6. Draw a rough sketch of the motherboard and show the location and use of each expansion slot. Sometimes an expansion card will not work if it is moved to a different slot.

  7. Draw a sketch of any expansion card that has wires or cables connected to it.

  8. Carefully add to your sketches the connection blocks and cables that attach to the expansion cards. Ribbon cables have a stripe on one edge to identify pin 1. Without this information, you may not be able to identify the connection when you reinstall the motherboard.

  9. As you remove the expansion cards from the computer, disconnect all cables from them. Place the expansion cards on an antistatic mat.

  10. The motherboard should now be exposed. Carefully draw the motherboard connection blocks for all cables that attach to the motherboard. For ribbon cables, note pin 1. For all other wires, be sure to show the color and function of each wire. If no distinguishing marks are available, you can use a permanent marker to make notes on the cable.

  11. Remove any screws that connect the motherboard to the case.

  12. Remove the motherboard from the case. The plastic or brass standoffs may permit you to move the motherboard to the side and lift it out. You may have to compress the standoffs with long-nose pliers while gently lifting the system board. Use extreme care with the motherboard because bending or dropping it can easily damage it.

Installing a Motherboard

To install a motherboard,

  1. If the memory is not already installed, install it.

  2. Install plastic or brass standoffs if they are needed.

  3. Align the keyboard connector and the expansion slots with the holes in the case.

  4. Secure the motherboard with the screws you removed.

  5. Install the expansion cards. Use your drawings and notes to ensure that all cables and cards are installed in their original locations and are connected properly.

  6. Attach the cables and internal components. ATX power supply connectors connect only one way; however, if AT power supply cables are incorrectly connected to the motherboard, the motherboard may be damaged. The black wires on the P8 and P9 connectors are installed black to black.

  7. Reassemble the computer.

  8. Boot the computer and access all the drives to verify that the computer is operational.




A+ Complete Lab Manual
A+ Complete Lab Manual
ISBN: 782128041
EAN: N/A
Year: 2003
Pages: 160

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