How to Change the Motherboard in a Desktop Computer
You must be very careful when you change a motherboard, or you risk damaging your desktop computer. Many motherboards are ruined by static shock, which happens when a person, charged with positive electricity from rubbing against carpet or clothing, touches a circuit in a motherboard and discharges all the electricity into the circuit. This is known as a short circuit. Follow these steps to safely remove and replace a motherboard from your desktop computer.
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Instructions
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Remove the Motherboard
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1
Place your computer on a nonmetal surface, preferably in a room with no carpet. If you have an antistatic mat, stand on it. If you have an antistatic wrist wrap, fasten it around your wrist. It is dangerous to remove a motherboard without either an antistatic mat or wrist wrap. However, if you still plan on not using an antistatic wrist wrap or mat, touch a grounded metal object, such as a metal handrail, and continue.
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2
With your screwdriver, remove all the screws holding the side panels from the back of the computer. Remove both side panels and unhook all the cables connected to the motherboard. Gently pull any PCI cards out of their slots and place them on a nonmetal surface.
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3
Unfasten all the screws that are holding up the motherboard from the back of the motherboard tray. Be careful not to not drop the motherboard when removing the last few screws. Once all the screws are removed, lay the computer case on its right side. Gently pick up the motherboard and place it on a nonmetal surface.
Replace the Motherboard
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4
Attach necessary parts such as RAM, the CPU and the CPU cooler to the motherboard. Lay the computer case on its right side. Place the motherboard on top of the motherboard tray. Align the screw holes on the motherboard with the screw holes on the motherboard tray.
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5
Using the screws provided with the replacement motherboard, fasten the new motherboard to the motherboard tray. Make sure the motherboard is sitting firmly in place.
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6
Connect the cables for your hard drives, optical drives, power supply and other computer components into the new motherboard. Attach the power switch cables to the motherboard. Put the side panels back onto the computer case and turn on your computer to check if everything works.
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