Replacing the Motherboard in a Desktop Computer

With a standard PC desktop computer, the steps needed to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer is a relatively easy job. This is because access to the motherboard is good. The removal and replacement is a step by step process which would be the same for the majority of PCs.

Advice Only For Experienced Computer Repairers

Whilst we at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane find it relatively easy to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer, for those with no knowledge of computer repair, we strongly suggest that you take your PC to a recommended computer repair business. Without knowledge of repairing, you could cause more damage and the repair costs could, in fact, be higher than the first job of replacing the motherboard in a desktop computer.

Step by Step Instructions on How to Replace the Motherboard in a Desktop Computer

1. Disconnect all cables from the front and rear of the computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove all cables connecting to the motherboard, taking note of what they are and where they go. Taking a photo may help. You will also need to disconnect many small cables. These cables that need to be disconnected currently connect the front USB ports, power switch, lights, reset switch and speakers etc. Care needs to be taken and each cable noted.
4. Remove any video or expansion cards from the motherboard carefully. You can use these again.
5. Disconnect all power cables to the Hard Disk Drive(s), DVD drive(s) and move the cables well out of the way, over the case side would be good. You may also need to remove the HDD and DVD drives as well in order to get the motherboard out.
6. Unscrew the various screws holding the motherboard to the case. They are on brass risers (standoffs).
7. Gently wriggle motherboard back from the back mounting plate and ease out of the case.
8. Remove the RAM, CPU and CPU cooler if you intend to re-use them.
9. Put the motherboard on a flat wooden or non-metallic surface and proceed to remove the aforementioned items. It is sometimes easier to remove these items when the motherboard has been removed from the case.
10. Motherboard replacement with a new item is a direct reversal of the steps above.
11. Care needs to be taken that the risers are in the correct places before screwing the new motherboard down and the new backplate is in position.
12. If reusing the RAM and CPU/CPU cooler then they may need to be fitted before inserting the motherboard into the chassis. The same advice applies if new components are used.
    Don’t forget the thermal paste between the CPU and the cooler.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane

Please contact one of our Computer Technicians in Brisbane if you have any difficulties with the above advice – or if you do not have repair experience and would like us to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer for you. Contact our friendly staff today on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.