How to know if your motherboard is dead. (PSU will only turn on with the paperclip test, not when plugged into MOBO)

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jameswat1

Reputable
Sep 25, 2014
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My computer got struck through lightening (I unplugged it from the wall but the electricity jumped through the Ethernet port.)

I was just curious if the MOBO might be dead. I did the paper clip test and the PSU turns on fine and I can hear the HDD's starting but when I plug the MOBO up, it doesn't make a sound. No fans.

Does this mean that it's dead?

Thanks!
 
Solution
Chicano
Well, as I said, it can still be dead. All you can do is try resetting the BIOS, and jump starting it with the power button connection removed from the mobo header, and jumping the two power button pins with a small screwdriver or paper clip.

Reset the BIOS with the AC power cable removed > remove the BIOS battery > press the power button and hold it pressed for a minute > wait 10 minutes before putting the battery and AC cable back on... I wouldn't give you high hopes but those are the last tricks to try before giving up.

As for the PSU you may want to try the PC with another one.. it may also have suffered damage and may not supply enough amps to powerup everything besides the HDDs which are directly connected to the PSU.
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Chicano

Chicano

Judicious
Aug 29, 2011
5,071
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35,490
The motherboard fuse may have blown... check the motherboard images for reference, and see if your's has a similar burned spot. If it has similar damage, replacing the fuse may not be a guarantee it will work again (you'll have to ask a technician).

If you don't find a burned spot, the symptoms still coincide with a dead motherboard.. sometimes they suddenly die without a visible mark of damage but they don't recover.

motherboard fuse location
https://www.google.com/search?q=motherboard+fuse+location&biw=1131&bih=771&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CB4QsARqFQoTCMi5gLbn48cCFclZiAodLxYH1A&dpr=1.13
https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=Le3sVcbHCO_y8wf90JKABA#q=motherboard+fuse+location
 
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J

jameswat1

Reputable
Sep 25, 2014
16
0
4,510


Thank you for your response. The MOBO has no visible damage though....
 
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Chicano

Chicano

Judicious
Aug 29, 2011
5,071
29
35,490
Well, as I said, it can still be dead. All you can do is try resetting the BIOS, and jump starting it with the power button connection removed from the mobo header, and jumping the two power button pins with a small screwdriver or paper clip.

Reset the BIOS with the AC power cable removed > remove the BIOS battery > press the power button and hold it pressed for a minute > wait 10 minutes before putting the battery and AC cable back on... I wouldn't give you high hopes but those are the last tricks to try before giving up.

As for the PSU you may want to try the PC with another one.. it may also have suffered damage and may not supply enough amps to powerup everything besides the HDDs which are directly connected to the PSU.
 
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