How to Find the Dell Motherboard
There are many reasons to open your computer case: to install new hardware, clean out dust, or to inspect your motherboard. The motherboard is located inside the central computer case on both desktops and laptops and connects everything in the computer to each other. Essentially, the giant green plate acts as a hub for the rest of the computer parts. Installing and removing motherboards is a completely different task, but identifying your motherboard may be easier than you think.
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Instructions
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Identifying a Dell Desktop's Motherboard
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1
Remove all power going to the device. Regardless if you'll be touching anything in the device or not, you don't want a stray current electrocuting you through the sides of the case.
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2
Locate and unscrew the screws, either on the back or sides of the case, that keep the two pieces of the case together. This will allow you to see what's inside of your desktop tower.
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3
Remove the two pieces and set the top part of the case (the part that has nothing in it) to the side. This will help keep it out of the way and prevent it from generating any kind of a spark.
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4
Run your fingers over the metal conductors at the top of the bottom case. This will help get rid of any static electricity that has built up which could harm your computer.
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5
Identify your motherboard. Everything in the computer should be connected to it, and you can consult your computer's manual for a complete listing of where everything is located on it.
Identifying a Dell Laptop's Motherboard
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6
Remove all power going to the device. Regardless if you'll be touching anything in the device or not, you don't want a stray current electrocuting you through the sides of the case.
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7
Remove your laptop's battery; Let the computer rest a few seconds so that all power leaves the machine.
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8
Locate and unscrew the screws holding the bottom cover onto the device. There are usually four screws, one in each corner of the bottom of the laptop.
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9
Unhook any latches that may be securing holding the bottom of the case.
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10
Remove the case and set it out of the way where it will not be touching the laptop or motherboard.
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11
Identify your motherboard. Everything in the computer should be connected to it, and you can consult your computer's manual for a complete listing of where everything is located on it.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not work on your desktop or laptop on carpet. This could create a static current that could harm your machine.
References
- Photo Credit motherboard image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
