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Part of the startup software the motherboard BIOS contains is POST (power on
self test).
POST performs a basic test of the individual hardware components such as the
motherboard, RAM
memory chips, keyboard, floppy drive, and hard drive. When a computer is
turned on with the
power switch, BIOS executes POST. Numbers appearing in the upper-left
Go green when buying a motherboard or CPU
When upgrading or replacing a motherboard and/or processor, consider
going green. Select a board that uses 45nm silicon technology, one
that is lead free, one that uses a lower amount of power (uses 22 watts
instead of 65 or 90), one that uses a smaller form factor (such as
microATX), one that has integrated video, or one that can do all of this.
• Upgrading and Replacing
When upgrading a motherboard or processor, several issues must be taken into account.
The following list guides a technician through making the decision (or
helping a customer make the decision) of whether to upgrade a motherboard.
● Why is the computer being upgraded? For example, does the computer need more
memory? Are more expansion slots needed? Does the computer need a bigger/faster CPU
to run certain
operating systems or applications? Sometimes upgrading the motherboard does not help
unless the other computer components are upgraded. The most expensive and fastest
motherboard will not run applications well unless it has the proper amount of memory.
Hard drives are another issue. If software access is slow, the solution might not be a new
motherboard, but a faster and larger hard drive, more cache memory, or more RAM.
● Which type (ISA, PCI, AGP, or PCIe) and how many adapters are needed from the old
motherboard? Does the new motherboard have the required expansion slots?
● Could any devices, such as the hard drive or CD or DVD drive that currently require an
adapter, plug directly into the upgraded motherboard? If so, it would free up expansion
slots as well as speed up the devices.
● What type of chipsets does the new motherboard support? What
features, if any, would this bring to the new motherboard?
● Will the new motherboard fit in the current computer case or is a new
one required?
● If upgrading the CPU, will the motherboard support the new type of
CPU?
● Does the motherboard allow for future CPU upgrades?
● How much memory (RAM) does the motherboard allow? What memory
chips are required on the new motherboard? Will the old memory chips
work in the new motherboard or with the new CPU?
Before replacing a motherboard, keep the following list in mind:
● Remove adapters from expansion slots
● Remove memory chips from expansion slots
● Disconnect power connectors
● Disconnect ribbon cables
● Disconnect external devices such as mouse, keyboard, and monitor
Replacement motherboards do not normally come with RAM, so the old
ones are removed from the bad
motherboard. The motherboard may or may not come with a CPU. Make
note of the CPU orientation before removing it from the motherboard
THE END
ALTERNATIVE TO PRACTICAL LAB IS NEXT WEEK AND LAB
ENDS.
THANKS
LAB CORDINATOR : Mr Asimobi Nnaemeka