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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 successfully properly complete the following steps prior to rebooting can steps can lead to data loss! |
Opening the computer
1. Open computer by pulling side. When you do this pull the lever towards you. The lid should pop open and you can remove itPull 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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the
2. As soon as you get the lid off you have to remove Pinch the hard drive bracket. To do this push in the two plastic tabs towards --> <--- each other.
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4. After you remove the bracket and hard drive the inside of your computer should like this.
Looking for Blown Capacitors
5. You now can look for blown capacitors. release tabs and lift the drive out. Disconnect both cables from hard drive as it is being removed.
Old Dell PCs | 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 will not look popped or have residue. Blown capacitors will look like this:
6. If you see one or more blow capacitor, your computer will need replacement or the motherboard would need replacement.
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clean.
Working capacitors | Blown capacitors |
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