Its phenomenal how a computer consists of thousands of different components and still manages to run without sacrificing performance.
However, the entire system collapses when a component fails to perform its task.
Identifying faulty parts is a hassle and can take an eternity.
Check the connections of the components.
If the PC turns on, check the CPU.
Contrarily, if the computer is not booting, check the motherboard.
Also, have a go at boot with another CPU and motherboard.
If your PC can boot, you should stress test the CPU to determine the processor performance.
On the other hand, you should also recheck the computer components so that rule out the main culprit.
Consider the following instructions to identify if the issue is the motherboard or CPU.
Here are the methods to identify whether a motherboard or CPU is faulty:
1.
Check Connections
Computers consist of thousands of different components.
Any damaged part or loose connection can lead to various issues.
Before starting intensive tests, ensure all components are appropriately connected.
You should check every cable and component connection manually.
Consider the following list to understand what you should check.
Check the following component connections:
Power Cable
Without a power connection, your PC wont run.
Check for the power cable connection.
Ensure the cable is adequately connected to bothport and socket.
RAM
your setup wont boot without RAM.
So, ensure the RAMs are appropriately connected to the motherboard.
You will hear a click sound if the RAM is inserted properly.
GPU
The GPU needs a lot of raw power to function.
PSU
PSU (Power Supply Unit) provides the required power to the motherboard.
Ensure the PSU is functioning and supplying power to the motherboard.
Storage Devices
Storage devices like HDD and SSD must be connected to the motherboard.
Check for the storage machine connection and ensure they receive power from the PSU.
Cooling Systems
Look for your cooling systems.
Otherwise, lets move on to the next step.
Test Your CPU
Motherboard damage restricts the computer from turning on.
You may often facestuttering from a bad CPU, along with crashes, freezes, and poor performances.
A stress test can force the CPU to perform its full potential.
Your CPU usually doesnt use its peak for basic tasks.
you might check the CPU performance under maximum load by doing a stress test.
Besides, it will also determine what is causing the trouble.
Now the question ishow to stress test the CPU.
you’ve got the option to use several third-party applications to accomplish that.
However, I suggest usingCPU-Z.
Along with the stress test program, you will also need a tool to check the CPU temperatures.
Use theCoreTempapplication for that.
This software can continuously show the temperature for each core.
Note:Most graphics driver software can show temperatures.
After preparing the applications, its time to start the stress test.
Go through the following procedures to stress test your CPU.
Consider the following instructions to stress test:
You will notice the CPU temperature is rising slowly.
Allow CPU-Z to execute the test until the temperature stops increasing.
Once the CPU temperature is at its peak, stop the test.
A faulty CPU cannot tolerate the stress test, as this test pushes the CPU to its limit.
The problem is not with the CPU if your CPU can handle this test.
However, the main culprit is overheating if the rig restarts or crashes during the stress test.
So,how to tell if the CPU is overheating?
You should analyze the CoreTemp data before the PC restarts.
Quick Note:A CPU may throttle when the temperature rises to184 F (84.44 C).
Fortunately, you might quickly address the overheating issue with some simple tricks.
Consider the following discussion to manage CPU overheating.
Improve Airflow
Improper airflow is another culprit that overheats the CPU.
You mustoptimize your PC airflowto deal with the heating issue.
Upgrade CPU Cooler
Though the stock CPU cooler is powerful enough, it may lose its productivity over time.
In that case, you should upgrade the existing cooler with ahigh-performance cooler.
Test Your Motherboard
When your box fails to boot, the issue is either with the motherboard or PSU.
Even an almost-dead CPU will get you to the boot screen.
So, you must check your motherboard if you cannot turn on the PC.
Before doing anything else with your motherboard, you must ensure it receives power from the PSU.
So, how to test whether the motherboard is receiving power?
There are several ways to check whether the motherboard gets power from the PSU.
Most motherboard models have a built-in speaker that producesbeep soundsto indicate the difficulties.Motherboard beep codeshelp to understand the issue.
Besides, recent models have LED lights.
If you seeLED lights glowingwhen turning on the PC, the motherboard is receiving power.
Contrarily, the motherboard does not receive enough power if you dont see the lights glowing.
Dont have any LED lights on the motherboard?
Fans are connected to the motherboard and receive power from the motherboard.
If the fans dont spin while turning on the PC, that means they are not getting power.
Quick Reminder:Most of the motherboard problems are power-supply problems in disguise.
What if the motherboard is getting power, but the computer is still not booting?
Well, in this scenario, the problem is probably with theRAM sticksorstorage devices.
it’s possible for you to determine the exact issue by listening to the beep sounds of your motherboard.
Each motherboard has a different beeping system.
Search for your motherboard beep codes online and give a shot to find out the reason.
However, if your motherboard doesnt receive any power, the motherboard is faulty.
Its complicated to fix a damaged motherboard.
You will need a professional to do it for you.
Collect and install another CPU that iscompatiblewith your motherboard.
After installing the new CPU, rerun a stress test by following the previous method.
If the new CPU can handle the stress test, the problem is with your old processor.
In that case, you should replace the CPU.
Remember, you’re free to quickly fix basic CPU-related problems likeover-temperature errors.
CPU pins can often receive damage for several reasons.
you’re free to fix bent or deformed processor pins with the help of a professional.
For CPU compatibility, check out another post onhow to tell if a CPU is compatible with your motherboard.
However, assembling a motherboard is a difficult task.
You will need some deep knowledge to do so.
You must disassemble the components from the motherboard, and then you should probably assemble the parts.
Detach the above components one by one and determine if any of those parts are causing the errors.
You may not be able to check the components unless you have a computer with almost identical specifications.
At this point, you should have ruled out the main culprit for the errors you are facing.
Remove the faulty parts and replace them with new ones.
What are the Signs of a Faulty Motherboard or CPU?
Most symptoms of a damaged motherboard and a bad CPU are almost similar.
Go through the subsequent list of symptoms to identify a faulty motherboard or CPU.
Looking at the motherboard or CPU, it’s possible for you to quickly distinguish any physical damage.
CPU pins are vulnerable and get damaged easily.
Check the CPU pins carefully for bents.
Before that, ensure the CPU socket punch in.
OnlyPGA CPUs have pins on them.
On the contrary,LGA sockets have pins on the motherboard.
Check out another post on the comparison ofLGA vs. PGA.
Identify your CPU socket key in and check for any possible damages.
When all the tests pass, your operating system will normally start after booting the equipment.
Boot Issues
Boot issues are extremely common for a bad CPU or motherboard.
Freezing or Lagging
Another common symptom of a bad CPU or motherboard is screen freezing or system lagging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a dead motherboard?
Motherboards are usually the most long-lasting part of a computer and can last up to 20 years.
How do I know if my CPU is damaged?
If your CPU is damaged, your PC wont boot.
How can I tell if I need a new motherboard?
When the motherboard is damaged, your box may boot, but it will shut down randomly.
You may even see blue screens of death if the motherboard is damaged.
In that case, you will need a new motherboard.
Final Thoughts
Before anything else, ensure the computer components are connected adequately to the motherboard.
If all the connections are alright, then check whether your PC boots.
You should stress test the CPU to see if it turns on.
Keep your eyes open during the test.
If the CPU cant handle the test, improve airflow and reapply the thermal paste.
Contrarily, if the PC doesnt boot, ensure the motherboard receives power from the PSU.
you’ve got the option to also try using a different CPU or motherboard to detect the dilemma.
