How you can safely uninstall and reinstall a motherboard?

Answer 1

If you are talking about the mainboard on a desktop computer its relatively easy. If this is for a laptop, Ipad or games console then go get some specialist help because the sequence of removal and types of clips are different for every model. (For exmaple an Ipad is glued together so you have to melt the glue to open the case).

For a standard desktop:-

The biggest concern is static electircity Use a 'grounding strap' as a precaution - this is a piece of wire that connects YOU (generally your wrist) to the metal of the case and ensures you dont build up a charge that could dmaage the circuitry. You *can* usually get away with grounding youself by touching the metal case of the power supply (whilst the mains lead is attached but the computer is OFF) so long as you don't move about too much and build up further static charge.

Shut the machine down and unplug it before you start: then open the case (by either removing screws of unclipping 'quick access' levers if fitted) and you will see a section holding the disk drives and a series of card sitting upright in slots on the main board.

Photograph or mark cables so you know where they belong then unclip any that are in the way of cards or access to the main board. Remember to undomonitor or printer cables from the external part of the case first!

Undo any cables leading to the the disk drives, just wriggle them side to side whilst pulling on the plug (don't tug the wire itself). There will be a power lead and a data cable for each drive.

Depending on case design You might need to remove the cage holding the disk drives if it extends over the board - this will either be a set of screws or a 'quick removal' clip

Once you have cleared access to the board you can undo the retaining screw and clip to any of the upright cards. Check for additional cable connections on each card and remove any that attach to other points in the machine (such as speakers, antenna, ports on the back of the case etc).

Ground yourself again (touch the metal part of the case) before gently wriggling the card free. Repeat for each card and lay them carefully out of the way. Remember that each time you move you potentially build static charge which can damage the card so keep touching the metal case to reduce the risk (or invest in a grounding strap)

When all the cards are removed and the cables unclipped you should be able to see the RAM - a series of at least one but as many as 16 small cards which slot directly into the mainboard, undo the clips at either side then flip the card up and remove it - Static is most likely to damage these as you remove them so make sure you keep grounded!

At this point you should be able to see the mounting screws which vary from board to board. There will be one at each corner around the expansion cards and some closer to the processor and memory. Photograph them so you know the positions and remove them all. The board will now be free to move and can be removed. Remember toground yourself !

If you need the processor for your new board you should first remove the fan and/or heat sink - this will have a cable going to the board and some quick release clios, but should come out easily exposing the processor. If its not soldered directly to the board you can release the processor and take it out. This needs careful handling and make sure your grounded.

If you have the correct replacement then rei-nstallation should be the reverse of this procedure, put in the processor before trying to mount the board unless you have a big case with easy access. Then put heat sink/fan back then memory and so on.