Overview
This document is meant to provide an overview of how to inspect the motherboard of a Dell PC for damage, wear and tear, and overall maintenance. This document will also include visual examples of a defective PC.
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Failure to properly complete the following steps can steps can lead to data loss. Card Concepts Inc. takes no responsibility for data loss due to human error, hardware failure, or other such circumstances. |
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If the motherboard is failing, the computer may shut down at random, show blue screen errors, and will operate strangely. |
Opening the Computer and Looking for Blown Capacitors
Opening the computer
1. Pull the computer case lever until the lid is released. It can be removed once it pops up from the locked position.
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2. Pinch the hard drive release tabs and lift the drive out. Disconnect both cables from hard drive as it is being removed.
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Old Dell PCs |
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New Dell PCs (XE2 and newer) | |
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3. Look for blown capacitors which can confirm a motherboard failure. A normal capacitor will be flat on the top and clean. Blown capacitors will look like this:
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Working capacitors | Blown capacitors |
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