Desktop PC Motherboard Replacement

Written By: David Lennon

Comments: 12

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 - 30 minutes

Introduction

The motherboard is the main body of a computer. Over time, computer components degrade and may need to be replaced. Replacing the motherboard can help make a computer run more quickly, smoothly and without errors.

Tools

Phillips #2 Screwdriver

Step 1

Unplug the computer from the power supply before any maintenance or disassembly.
Remove the two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the back side of the computer case. You only need to remove the screws that hold down the panel.
These screws can usually be removed by hand.
Be sure to wear an anti-static bracelet or use an anti-static mat to ensure important components are not damaged by static electricity.

This depends on the model of system. Some systems have a lever/latch to pull to release the cover. Many Dell and HP models use latches to open the covers (no tools required to open the system). Some systems need a screwdriver to remove the screws. Some are Phillips screws, others may be Torx.

Dave Ellefson - 14/11/16

This is correct.

DistroHopper39B - 05/07/20

Step 2

Next, remove the side panel of the computer case to allow access into the computer. Slide the panel towards the back of the computer and lift it up to remove.
If there is a fan mounted on the side panel, make sure to unplug the cable before fully removing the panel.

Step 3

Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the back side of the computer case.

Step 4

Next, remove the side panel of the computer case to allow access into the computer.

Not always necessary to do this step.

Scott Sinclair - 01/08/20

Step 5

Remove the Phillips #2 head, 5mm screw holding the graphics card in place.
Make sure that you have grounded yourself so that upon removal of the graphics card you do not accidentally shock the circuit board and damage it.

Step 6

Press the latch on the side of the connector area to unlock the graphics card, and carefully slide the graphics card out from its slot in the computer.
A good technique is to lay the computer onto it side, push the latch down and lift the graphics card out.

Sur les ports récents, (PCIE) il y a d’abord l’encoche à éloigner pour permettre le retrait de carte graphique.

benam -

most gpu's have screws so you MUST take them out first or the pins on the gpu and pci slot will crack.

Dovber Levertov -

Step 7

Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws holding the hard drive in place.

Step 8

Remove two Phillips #2 head 5mm screws holding in the other side of the hard drive.

Step 9

Slide the hard drive out from the metal casing.

En glissant le disque dur, faire attention à ne pas accrocher un des fils venant du boitier vers la carte mère. Les fils du Power panel notamment.

benam -

Step 10

Remove the cables from the back of the hard drive.

Perso, je retire les câble avant de retirer le disque dur.

benam -

Step 11

Begin to disconnect all cables from the motherboard. Many of the cables will have clips that need to be undone before you can remove them from the motherboard.

Step 12

Remove nine Phillips #2 head 5mm screws from the motherboard. Be sure to have your computer on its side, so that once the screws are out nothing falls and gets damaged.

Step 13

Double check and make sure all wires and screws have been removed, then carefully remove the motherboard from the computer case.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

David Lennon

Member since: 14/04/15

9944 Reputation

5 comments

If you aim to replace just the motherboard, I don’t think removing the hard drive from the case should be neccessary. The point of removing SATA cable from the motherboard still stands.

Ingmārs Zaicevs - 13/01/18

Generally a good article for a beginner. Very thorough. I personally do not remove the hard drives or cpu fans as it makes it both faster and easier to hold. Disconnect all the cables and graphics card then unscrew the motherboard screws and you are good to go!

Scott Sinclair - 01/08/20

such great info thanks for sharing with us.great blog

jade kelly - 25/02/21

hey my pc turn on but it doesn't show on screen.

Thapelo -

Hi, first thing I would check is video output default settings, so if you have the monitor connected to a dedicated/discreet graphics card try connecting the video cable to the mobo integrated one or viceversa. Otherwise, the fix could be as simple as replacing the BIOS battery (if the motherboard you are using as replacement is an old one) but could also be a hardware failure/compatibility issue, or a missing power cable (do you hear any beep during power-on self-test?), knowing the PC specs would help identify the problem.

Simone -