How to Replace a Gateway Computer Motherboard

Part of a Motherboard

A dead motherboard can be a serious problem for your Gateway computer as it means that none of the other hardware components will be working. To get your computer up and running again you will need to physically replace the entire motherboard. Replacing it isn't an especially difficult procedure, but it does take quite a bit of time as you must remove several other parts first. Depending on whether you have a heavy-duty Gateway server or a normal office desktop, there may also be a slightly different procedure for taking it out.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Antistatic Wrist Strap

1. Shut down your Gateway computer's operating system. Reach behind the machine and unplug the power cable and all the other peripheral cords. Put on an antistatic wrist strap to prevent static discharge from damaging the computer.

2. Set the entire Gateway computer case on a solid work area such as a table. Set the case down on its right side so that the left-side panel is facing up.

3. Check the far left end of the side panel to see if your specific model uses screws or has a pull latch. Remove the screws and set them aside to unlock the side panel, or pull up on the latch if there are no screws.

4. Push down on the panel and slide it away from the case. Set the panel aside. Check to see if the rear fan inside the case is partially covering the motherboard. Remove the screws holding the fan in place and pull the fan out of the case if it is covering the motherboard.

5. Locate the expansion cards at the lower-left corner of the Gateway's motherboard. Pull each of the expansion cards out of their slots and set them in a safe location. Snap back the clamps that hold the fan on the processor at the center of the motherboard. Pull the fan off of the processor.

6. Remove the processor and set it aside. Disconnect all the cables running from the motherboard to the various drives inside the computer. Check to see if your Gateway houses the motherboard inside a metal chassis.

7. Locate the large blue chassis screw at the right end of the motherboard if it is in a chassis. Remove the screw, then slide the entire chassis out of the case. Remove each of the screws holding the motherboard to the case and lift the entire motherboard out of the machine if it is not housed in a metal chassis.

8. Remove the screws holding the motherboard to the chassis if one is present, then pull out the motherboard. Set the new motherboard in the chassis and reconnect the screws, or set the motherboard directly into the case and reconnect the screws if there isn't a chassis.

9. Reassemble the processor, processor fan, expansion cards, rear fan and cables. Put the side panel back onto the case. Reconnect all the cables, then power the Gateway computer back on.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have an antistatic wrist strap you can instead ground yourself by touching a metal object that is rooted to the floor. Always make sure to ground yourself prior to opening up a computer case as static electricity can destroy computer parts.

References

• Replacing Gateway Motherboard