Computer motherboards usually don’t malfunction during normal use, but when they do, it can be hard to figure out why. In part, this is because there is usually no visible physical damage. Common reasons for a damaged motherboard can include static discharge, power surges, excess heat, part failure, or general mishandling. Many other more complicated technical issues can also be the reason for failure.
Excessive dust, humidity, heat, and power surges can fry a motherboard.
Static electricity is probably the most common reason for frying a motherboard. When handling computer hardware, such as a motherboard, it is important for a person to discharge any static electricity that has built up in the body. This charge, if transferred to the motherboard, can short circuit its components, rendering it unusable. A person can discharge static by touching a piece of metal before starting work on the computer. It is also helpful to work on an antistatic mat or hard floor; operating a computer with a rug under it can generate static charges and is not recommended.
A computer motherboard.
Power surges and damaged power supplies are also reasons for motherboards to break. A power surge can occur during a lightning storm, and a computer that is not plugged into a power strip has a chance of being damaged. A power strip will help protect computer parts from shocks. Even if the motherboard is unharmed during a power surge, damaged power supplies can cause it to stop after a while. Power supplies that do not produce the recommended power can also cause problems with the motherboard.
A person can ground himself while working on a computer to avoid damaging the motherboard with static electricity by first touching the metal frame of the computer tower.
Overheating, dust, and dirt are also common reasons for a motherboard to fail. If the card has been placed in a computer case that is too small or poorly ventilated, it can easily overheat. If the case has not been equipped with a properly working fan, there is no way to remove excess heat from the parts. If the fan is clogged with dirt and is rarely cleaned, it will not be able to cool the system properly. Dirt can also build up inside the computer case and cause problems, which makes regular cleanings very important.
Cheaper motherboards can have a tendency to fail faster than others, as faulty capacitors can cause problems for those that are not well made. This type of damage can actually be visible, such as when capacitors leak or swell. Mishandling can also cause problems with the motherboard. The board contains many small and fragile parts, and holding it incorrectly can bend or break it. The motherboard should always be carried and held by the edges to avoid contact with its components.
A faulty power supply can cause problems with the motherboard.
