Computer: Check Motherboard Health

Failure to properly complete the following 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.

If the motherboard is failing, the computer may shut down at random, show blue screen errors, and will operate strangely.
If the motherboard has already failed, the computer will need to be repaired by a local computer shop or replaced by CCI.

Opening the Computer and Looking for Blown Capacitors
 

1. Pull the computer case lever until the lid is released. It can be removed once it pops up from the locked position.

.      




2. Pinch the hard drive release tabs and lift the drive out. Disconnect both cables from hard drive as it is being removed.

     


Newer Dell models:
     



3. Look for blown capacitors which confirm motherboard failure. A normal capacitor will be flat on the top and clean. Blown capacitors will look like this: