Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the first step in preparing the motherboard for installation?
What is the first step in preparing the motherboard for installation?
You should check for conflicts with system resources only after installing the motherboard drives.
You should check for conflicts with system resources only after installing the motherboard drives.
False
What should you verify is set to default in the CMOS setup after booting the system?
What should you verify is set to default in the CMOS setup after booting the system?
Settings
The __________ shield must be installed before securing the motherboard in the case.
The __________ shield must be installed before securing the motherboard in the case.
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Match the following steps in installing the motherboard with their correct order:
Match the following steps in installing the motherboard with their correct order:
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Which of the following steps should be completed after connecting the cables?
Which of the following steps should be completed after connecting the cables?
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The CMOS battery is a field replaceable unit (FRU) on both old and new motherboards.
The CMOS battery is a field replaceable unit (FRU) on both old and new motherboards.
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What should you verify after turning the system on and looking for errors during POST?
What should you verify after turning the system on and looking for errors during POST?
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To troubleshoot a motherboard that is not working, check if the ______ cover is installed.
To troubleshoot a motherboard that is not working, check if the ______ cover is installed.
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Match the following symptoms with their potential troubleshooting actions:
Match the following symptoms with their potential troubleshooting actions:
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of impending motherboard failure?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of impending motherboard failure?
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It is unnecessary to check the voltage from the power supply before replacing a bad device.
It is unnecessary to check the voltage from the power supply before replacing a bad device.
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What should be checked if a new CPU was added to an existing motherboard?
What should be checked if a new CPU was added to an existing motherboard?
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What is the function of CMOS RAM?
What is the function of CMOS RAM?
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The setup information in CMOS RAM is retained even when the computer is turned off.
The setup information in CMOS RAM is retained even when the computer is turned off.
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What happens if the CMOS battery fails?
What happens if the CMOS battery fails?
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The process of upgrading or refreshing the ROM BIOS chip is known as _____
The process of upgrading or refreshing the ROM BIOS chip is known as _____
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Match the following steps with their corresponding actions in the motherboard replacement process:
Match the following steps with their corresponding actions in the motherboard replacement process:
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Which key is typically pressed during POST to access the CMOS setup program?
Which key is typically pressed during POST to access the CMOS setup program?
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The motherboard drivers are often found on a CD bundled with the motherboard.
The motherboard drivers are often found on a CD bundled with the motherboard.
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What should be done if a motherboard becomes unstable?
What should be done if a motherboard becomes unstable?
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Study Notes
Motherboard Installation & Troubleshooting
- Connect USB Devices: Connect any available USB devices to the motherboard's USB ports.
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Installation Checklist:
- Install the video card.
- Connect the keyboard and monitor.
- Turn on the system.
- Monitor for POST errors.
- Install drivers from the motherboard's bundled CD.
- Verify system operation.
- Make necessary OS and CMOS adjustments.
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Troubleshooting Field Replaceable Units (FRUs):
- Older motherboards: CPU, RAM, RAM cache, ROM BIOS, CMOS battery.
- Newer motherboards: CPU, RAM, CMOS battery, motherboard itself.
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POST Codes:
- Use POST codes (Chapter 2 or manufacturer's website) to aid in diagnosing issues.
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Replacing Faulty Components:
- A good troubleshooting tactic is to replace a potentially faulty component with a known good one.
- Ensure the power supply voltage is correct before replacing a component to avoid damaging the new part.
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Troubleshooting CPU Installation:
- If a new CPU is added to a working motherboard, verify:
- Thermal paste application between CPU and heatsink.
- Proper fastening of the cooler to the motherboard frame.
- Intact pins or lands on the CPU socket and processor.
- If a new CPU is added to a working motherboard, verify:
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Troubleshooting New Motherboard Issues:
- Verify the case's front cover is installed.
- Ensure the case's rear power switch is turned on.
- Double-check all connections.
- Review CPU, thermal compound, and cooler installation.
- Install all motherboard drivers from the included CD.
Motherboard and Processor Issues
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Impending Failure Symptoms:
- System boots but then powers down.
- Intermittent Windows or hard drive errors occur.
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Initial Troubleshooting Steps:
- Update drivers for non-functioning components using the motherboard's support CD.
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Advanced Troubleshooting Steps:
- Modify power saving features (e.g., sleep mode).
- Check jumpers, DIP switches, and CMOS settings.
- Replace the processor.
Replacing a Motherboard
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Replacement Process Overview:
- Verify the correct motherboard is chosen.
- Determine power configuration settings.
- Remove components to access the old motherboard.
- Set jumpers or switches on the new motherboard.
- Install the CPU and cooler.
- Install RAM modules in the appropriate slots.
- Install the motherboard in the case.
- Connect cabling (case switches, power supply, drives).
- Plug in the PC and connect the monitor and keyboard.
- Boot the system and enter CMOS setup.
- Set CMOS settings to default.
- Observe the POST process and verify no errors.
- Check for system resource conflicts.
- Install motherboard drivers.
- Install expansion cards and drives.
- Verify system functionality.
Motherboard Preparation
- Read the Manual: Review the motherboard manual before preparing the motherboard for installation.
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Setting Jumpers:
- The manual explains jumper and DIP switch settings.
- Settings vary between motherboards.
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Post-Jumper Tasks:
- Install the processor and cooler (Chapter 4).
- Install memory modules (Chapter 6).
Installing the Motherboard in the Case
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Installation Steps:
- Install the faceplate (I/O shield).
- Install standoffs (spacers).
- Secure the motherboard to the case.
- Connect the power cord to the PI power connection.
- Connect the 4-pin auxiliary power cord to the motherboard.
- Connect wire leads from the case's front panel.
- Verify wire-to-pin connections using the manual.
CMOS Configuration
- CMOS RAM (Clock/Nonvolatile RAM or RTC/NVRAM): Stores motherboard configuration settings.
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CMOS Setup Program:
- Stored on a floppy disk or ROM BIOS chip.
- Access the program by pressing a key during POST.
- Includes menus: Main, Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit.
- Brand-name PCs (e.g., IBM) have custom screens.
- CMOS Battery: Provides power to CMOS RAM, allowing it to retain data when the PC is off.
Flashing ROM BIOS
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ROM BIOS Functions:
- CMOS setup program.
- Startup BIOS for managing the startup process.
- System BIOS for managing basic I/O functions.
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ROM BIOS Upgrades:
- Flashing: Updating or refreshing the ROM BIOS chip.
- Upgrade sources: Manufacturer's website, esupport.com.
Motherboard Drivers
- Driver Location: Found on the CD bundled with the motherboard.
- Additional Utilities: The motherboard CD may include useful utilities.
- Driver Updates: Manufacturer periodically updates drivers.
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Unstable Motherboard:
- Check for updated drivers, especially chipset drivers.
- Install updated drivers for non-functioning devices.
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