Mainboard repair - is that possible?

If the PC only beeps when starting and the screen remains black, the mainboard could be defective. We show whether you can fix it and how you can spot errors in the first place.

Repair mainboard: detect errors

From one day to the next, the PC suddenly stopped working. When you start it just beeps and the screen remains dark. These tones come from the mainboard BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and signal problems with the hard disk, the graphics card or the main memory. Important: First of all keep calm and switch off the PC.

• The beep indicates an error. The number and length of the tones indicate different hardware parts. The exact beep codes are usually in the manual or can be found on the Internet.
• First you should check all cables connected to the PC. To do this, disconnect all cables, such as power plug and monitor cable, one after the other and plug them in again. It can happen that something wobbles and triggers an error.
• Then check whether the PC is still within the guarantee period before opening the housing. If so, it is best to go to the dealer and have the computer replaced or repaired. If the PC is older, go to the next step.
• To find the fault in the PC, pull out the mains plug and open the housing. Note: With a newer PC, you can void the warranty if you go this route.

Repair the PC mainboard: Find the cause of the error

If the PC case is open, you will see a lot of components like the mainboard (see picture), the power supply, the hard drive with a DVD drive and many cables. The processor (usually under a fan), one or more plug-in cards, elongated memory modules and often a small silver battery are located on the mainboard. This is important for the BIOS on the mainboard and contains important settings.

• First you should only check with your eyes whether one of the many cables, a plug-in card, the processor fan or the memory modules are loose. Over time, a cable can come loose or a plug-in card can slip if a cable is connected externally.
• If the visual inspection is unsuccessful, carefully pull out the plug-in cards, the cables to the power supply unit and the hard disk as well as the memory modules and insert them carefully again. Make sure that no pins are bent. It is also best to hold the parts with an earth strap, as people can easily become electrostatically charged. Even a small spark can increase the damage.
• Explanation: If the PC is a bit older, the connections may corrode somewhat. Unplugging and plugging in again ensures good contact. Then test whether the PC is running again. If the PC is still beeping, there is another possible cause.
• Check the small silver battery, which ensures that the PC in the BIOS does not forget the most important settings. It is often a CR2032 lithium cell, as is also found in radio alarm clocks or cameras. To do this, carefully remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. An empty BIOS battery can prevent the PC from starting. Then switch the PC on again and check whether it starts.

Mainboard: Buy new instead of repair

If all contacts, cables, plug-in cards are checked and the BIOS battery is still OK, but the error still exists, there is usually only one way left: buy a new mainboard. Troubleshooting directly on the mainboard is very difficult and repairs with new components are usually not worthwhile. In addition, the large ICs (the square black components on the circuit board) can only be soldered with special equipment.

• Advantage of the new purchase: You can get a modern mainboard right away - possibly even with a faster processor. This is also significantly cheaper than a new PC. If you wish, you can also continue to use the old processor. Then you have to pay close attention to buying the right motherboard.
• Please note that a new mainboard must fit into the old housing. The size should be similar and the connections for LAN, keyboard, monitor and USB ports should match the case.
• Another advantage: In addition to the processor, you can also use the old graphics card, memory modules and hard drive cables on the new mainboard. The same applies here: Before buying, check whether the mainboard meets the requirements. You can also continue to use the hard drive, DVD drive and other plug-in cards.
• You can find a large selection of current motherboards including test reports in our price comparison.

In the next article we will show you what you should consider when installing your new mainboard.