How To Test a Motherboard Without CPU?

Troubleshooting your computer to find where the faults are and fixing them right away is one of the finest steps you can take to get your computer running again. To achieve this, you will need to pay attention to details, testing your motherboard without a CPU is one of the ways you can achieve this. 

Ensure your computer is connected to the power supply unit, and place the motherboard on a safe material, you can attach a ram or hard disk if you want. However, the best results are always achieved without attaching anything to your motherboard.

Wondering how you can achieve this without stress, this article will get you going and give you the best solutions where you want them. So let’s get started. 

Why You Should Test Your Motherboard Without CPU

The motherboard just like the CPU is one of the most important components of every computer, it adds a whole lot to the operations of the computer and if the motherboard is bad there are chances that the computer will run into issues sooner than later. 

It is possible that your motherboard can come dead on arrival, and where you are unable to detect this just on time, chances are, you will be running the risk of troubleshooting every component of your computer looking for a problem you could have avoided initially. 

Similarly, your motherboard might have factory error or mishandling issues from the delivery operations or even damages caused by mishandling. One of the best ways to detect this is to bench test your motherboard to know its compatibility for use. 

The following are ways to achieve this task and get your motherboard firing on all cylinders. 

How To Test Your Motherboard Without CPU

1. Unbox the motherboard for bench testing: 

Remove the motherboard from the casing and unbox it for testing, while you are on this ensure the motherboard is placed on an anti-static foam or material which is often found inside the packaging that comes with your motherboard. Where this is not there, place the motherboard on the box it came with. 

Also, ensure no bare metallic or conductive surface is found around the motherboard, you want to have your motherboard running smoothly and the metallic or conductive surface can cause breakdowns that will affect the running of your motherboard.

After unboxing your motherboard, it’s time to get to serious business. 

2. Plugin the power connectors: 

Your testing will not be complete if your motherboard cannot turn on, you want to be sure there is something right you are doing. You will need to plug in the power connectors at this point, to move ahead with your progress on this operation. 

There are usually three types of power connectors, the 8pin, 24pin, and then the 4 pin if your motherboard is really old. 4 pin connectors are running out of the market, however, they are not completely extinct just here and chances are your motherboard might be a 4pin board. 

You will need the 8pin CPU power connector for the motherboard and 24pin together in most cases. Whichever pin type your motherboard is made of, get it connected and get started. 

3. Installing other components: 

While testing your motherboard, you may have the need or see the temptation of having your other components connected to the motherboard. These components include your hard disk drive, your ram, and your graphics card. While this step is okay, it is not entirely necessary.

However, just like every other computer operation, anything can go wrong at any time and this is where you have to trade with caution. Connecting your hard disk is a fine way to go here, it can save some data for you, in the event where your computer has a mishap and this is essentially good. 

4. Connect your Power Supply to the wall socket: 

Now that you are ready with all the plugins put in place, getting started with the real deal is the next line of action. How is this done? Connect your motherboard power supply lines to the wall socket, this way you will have the needed electrical power to turn on your motherboard.

Ensure your motherboard is not on a metallic surface, similarly also ensure that you are protected. The use of plastic slippers, gloves for your hands, and possibly a safety cover will give you adequate protection against electrical shocks, and keep you grounded. 

5. Turn your motherboard on: 

The next and final step will be to turn on the motherboard, they are two instances here.  Where the motherboard is inside the case, you only need to connect the power on switch and the power pins, it will turn on the motherboard automatically, Where it is not on the case, the second option will work. 

Use a screwdriver to join the power on pins and you will have the motherboard turned on. Ensure you don’t join other cables while on this to avoid sudden sparks and others. 

Once your motherboard is on, you are sure to hear some beep sounds or LED lights turned on, this will confirm whether or not your motherboard is working. 

Conclusion

Troubleshooting your computer parts is a  necessary maintenance mechanism that should be taken to keep your computer together, doing this at the initial building time is another great way to stay afloat and get your computer running. Just like the adage “early diagnosis is gold” so too is it with computers.

Bench testing your motherboard will save you a whole lot of troubles in the future and this is what this article entails.