Motherboard Failure Damage reason

Motherboard Failure & Damage Causes (What Causes MOBO to Fail)

The motherboard can be seen as the heart of a computer. And so problems affecting it are usually serious and would take more than just replacing one part. Motherboards are sturdy and made to be durable so that they can withstand wear and tear. Their design however isn’t all that is required to ensure they work properly. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for motherboard failure.

In a hurry to know what the leading causes of motherboard failure are? Overheating is one of the most common reasons why your mobo might fail and can be prevented using thermal paste. Power surge is another leading cause of damage hence the need for surge protectors

What Causes Motherboard to Fail

1. Overheating

Overheating is one of the most common causes of motherboard failure. This can happen if you are using your PC to run multiple programs at the same time with a power supply at the maximum output as well. And so if you are multitasking with your computer, it’s advisable to give it some rest so it can cool down. Power-intensive activities include gaming, video rendering, and watching.

Your computer can also overheat due to a fault in the power supply within the internal circuitry. Placing your laptop on a padded or soft surface can block the vents and prevent the flow of heated air from the motherboard. This is another source of overheating.

You can prevent overheating by placing your laptop on a hard flat surface to allow for unrestricted airflow. Use in a cool room generally and avoid overuse.

After heavy use, allow your computer to rest so it can cool down to a safe temperature.

Applying thermal paste also improves heat transfer and keeps your motherboard cool allowing longer use. 

2. Power Surge and Spike

Power surges and spikes arise from problems with the house wiring, lightning strike, or problems with the power service outside the house. Damage to the motherboard from the power surge is mostly due to lightning as it goes through other routes and bypasses surge protectors. And so where it concerns power surge from lightning, there is only little you can do to protect your motherboard.

For other causes of a power surge, however, the use of a surge protector will go a long way to save your motherboard from damage.

Motherboards use direct current, and they need to be fed with a steady power source devoid of fluctuations. Sudden changes in the voltage can damage the delicate circuits in your mobo. 

For continuous protection, replace your surge protectors every 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of surge protector you are using.

3. Dust and Debris

Most computers take in cool air from outside to cool the inside while they expel the hot air via the vents. Over time, these vents clog up the vents and make it difficult for heat to be removed from your system. If the hot air gets trapped inside, it will have a bad effect on your motherboard as the components will get cooked up.

It’s better to have your computer on higher ground as it’s more difficult for dirt to get in that way.

You can’t completely prevent the accumulation of dust inside your computer, and so having scheduled maintenance is important.

With a computer duster, you can blow out dust and free the vents easily.

Having the interior of your computer cleaned by professionals once in a while will also help prevent motherboard failure through the accumulation of dust and debris.

4. Impact and Spill Damage

Great impact force to your motherboard or a fall from a height can also cause motherboard failure. This is because it may damage the internal circuits. Short circuits are one of the most common causes of damage due to impact as components that are shielded from each other may come in contact due to the force.

Spills are one of the fastest ways to cause motherboard failure. Water and other types of liquids come in contact with mobos more frequently than you would think. The safest way to salvage the situation if this happens is to leave your computer off or put it off immediately. Then take it to a professional where the circuit can be dried before the current is allowed to pass through.

5. Failure from Aging

Nothing lasts forever; not even your motherboard. With continuous use, it will eventually fail. Depending on the quality of the board, you can get up to fifty hours of work time or more. The lifespan can also be prolonged with proper care and maintenance habits. 

6. Manufacturer Defect

Since motherboards are produced in large numbers, the likelihood of manufacturer defects is high. Failure due to a manufacturing defect could be due to the installation of a faulty component such as the capacitor. The bus architecture of the board as well may have been wrongly engineered, leading to issues with cooling. This defect is however less likely to occur in the more expensive motherboards.

Many manufacturers do admit to the presence of a defect in their products. when this happens, it’s easy to get it fixed without having to pay for the repair. Professionals in computer repair shops can also tell if it’s a known issue due to its recurrence.

7. Incompatible Components

When assembling your PC, it’s important that you only use parts that are of good quality and compatible with the components of your motherboard. They are different sites that can allow you to check for compatibility issues and you can use these to your advantage.

Using high-quality parts in building your PC will also help in ensuring that your motherboard doesn’t fail. Avoid computer parts that are prone to overheating as well.

What Causes MOBO Fail

Final Words About Motherboard Failure Causes

The motherboard is an important part of every computer and this goes without saying. It’s however easily damaged and can cause a lot of inconveniences when it fails. Several factors can lead to motherboard damage and while some are beyond our control, we can try to prevent damage.

Healthy usage and application of thermal paste will go a long way to reduce overheating and keeping your MOBO healthy.

By using surge protectors you can ensure that a steady flow of voltage gets to the circuits, reducing damage to the delicate circuitry. And by carrying out regular maintenance and cleaning using a computer duster, there will be less dust accumulation in the vents.