If do it yourself projects generally scare you take heart. This ones pretty simple. The good news is that Home PC repair - replacing your motherboard is pretty basic and quite hard to mess up.
Familiarize yourself with how the PC comes apart. Where are the screws that allow the side panel to be removed? Are their multiple panels that can be removed? Do an online search for how to build a computer so that you can become familiar with how the parts of the PC should look.
The most important thing to know about replacing a motherboard is to get a socket that matches the CPU you will be using and the type of RAM you intend to use. If you are going to use the same CPU and RAM you will need to get the same socket motherboard that also can take the RAM you currently have. Finding this information can be done very easily by doing a search at newegg for your socket and ram followed by motherboard. For example; "socket 775 ddr2 motherboard" in their search bar.
You will also need to get the correct size of board for your PC case. These numbers are easiest to find by doing a search of your existing motherboard model numbers.
When you have your New Motherboard: READ THE MANUAL that came with the motherboard. Even if you don't understand it. It will all make sense when you start pulling things apart.
1. Disconnect the Power to the computer.
2. Place the PC on a towel to keep from scratching the case.
3. Remove the side or access panel
4. Locate the parts of the PC such as the power supply, CPU cooler, RAM modules, etc.
5. Mark the wires and their corresponding positions. Make a map of where they plugged in on the board. This step is more for your mental well being than a necessity.
6. Start unplugging all the wires that are plugged into the board. You will notice that each wire has a unique style plug. This will keep you from confusing things when you reassemble.
7. Release the strapping mechanism on the CPU cooler. Gently twist the CPU cooler in a circular motion without pulling up. This is to break the seal of the CPU thermal paste between the cooler and the CPU. Then gently pull up on the CPU cooler while making gentle twisting motions. (sometimes the paste will create a vacuum seal between the CPU and cooler.)
8. Remove as much thermal paste from the top of the CPU without letting any pieces of paste fall between the CPU and clamp down bracket. If a piece falls in you can remove it after the CPU is out of the socket.
9. Unlock the CPU hold down clamp and carefully remove the CPU. Place the CPU in a safe place so you do not damage the pins. If you bent some pins during removal -very carefully bend them back into position. If you broke some pins off your CPU is scrap, order a new one.
10. Remove the RAM sticks by pushing down on the tabs at each end. These tabs will push the RAM up and out.
11. Remove any cards from the PCI, PCIe slots. These are the slots that give you places to plug components into from the back panel. Some PC's will have cards here, other not.
12. Locate all of the mounting screws that hold down the motherboard and remove them with a tool. Usually, a screw driver but sometimes other tools are necessary.
13. Gently remove the old motherboard from the case.
Before you place the new board into the case count the holes in the board and make sure you have the right number and placement of mounting holes. If a support stud would touch in the wrong spot on the board it could short out the board.
14. Reverse the order to install the new board.
15. Use a magnifying glass and work light to make sure your front panel wires are in the correct positions. Note the markings on the ends of the wires to place them properly. The board will be marked next to the places where the wires should plug in. Just read, you won't mess it up. Then double check your work.
16. When you are done put the lid back on and power the PC up. Depending on the type of motherboard you may need to set your RAM voltage and other settings within the BIOS. Use the motherboard manual to access the BIOS features and make these changes. Most of the time though you will be able to just power it on and it will work without any changes.
That's basically it!
You just did a Home PC Repair - replacing your motherboard! Now pat yourself on the back and take yourself out to dinner. You just saved about $150 dollars.
This article was written by Peter Selby of home-speaker.net. This is a self help audio and video site that offers free advice for the theater and stereo setup enthusiast.
To see some pictures for more help on this subject see my HTPC Build page.
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