As a PC user, you know that you need to perform regular maintenance on your computer hardware – especially in terms of cleaning tasks – to keep it in good condition and thus extend its lifespan. Exactly the same thing happens with the motherboard, but a series of precautions and precautions must also be taken when handling it because, due to its size and the number of circuits, solders, components and connectors, it is much more delicate than the other elements. . .
Tips for handling the motherboard
As we said earlier, the motherboard is a rather delicate element due to its large size and the number of components, connectors and solders that make up its entire surface. Because of this, when you are about to assemble, disassemble, or even clean the motherboard, you need to take a series of precautions to prevent it from being accidentally damaged.
Beware of static electricity
Always get rid of static electricity before touching it. The human body has a certain amount of static electricity, and no longer touching a motherboard but any other electronic element could damage it. To do this, just touch a metal element such as a radiator or the side cover of your PC case for a few seconds.
Unplug everything before
Never touch the motherboard with the PC plugged in (and even less, on). Obviously you should never touch the motherboard with the PC turned on, but since motherboards have enough capacitors that accumulate power even with the computer turned off, it is recommended that if you have to touch the motherboard , in addition to discharging static electricity make sure that the PC is completely unplugged from the power supply and, in addition, that at least a few minutes have elapsed since you unplugged it until you were touching the component. Only then can you be sure that the electrical elements have been fully discharged.
Hold the motherboard firmly
When it is necessary hold motherboardNever do this directly from the PCB as it is one of the most fragile parts. In the image above you have it the right way to do it: with your fingers underneath to hold and above the area of the RAM memory sockets, as the plastic and metal they are constructed of gives this area greater rigidity. Alternatively, the chipset heat sink area is also good.
Don’t hit the plate
When installing the motherboard into the PC case, always make sure to do so in diagonal, by first inserting the rear connectors area, then placing it carefully over the brass anchors, matching the holes. Never slide it, otherwise these brackets may scratch and damage the back of the PCB.
Use soft surfaces
If you take the motherboard out of the PC case (for example, when you intend to mount it or take it apart for cleaning), be sure not to leave it on a metal or too hard surface, such as glass. It is always best to leave it on a cloth, anti-static plastic or cardboard to prevent it from being damaged.
By following these five tips, you should have no problem handling a motherboard.
Cleanliness is essential
Usually, the motherboard is mounted vertically in the PC case, so the area that tends to accumulate the most dirt is precisely the top. Despite this, all areas of the motherboard, and especially the recesses that remain between RAM sockets, heat sinks, PCI-Express sockets, etc. They inevitably have to accumulate dust, and you already know that dust with heat turns into soot and this conducts electricity, which can lead to misfortunes.
Therefore, cleaning the motherboard is as or more important than that of any other part of the PC, and therefore it is advisable to spend a little every now and then to keep it as clean as possible, within the limits of her size. The ideal is to completely disassemble the motherboard from the PC, place it on a cardboard box and perform a thorough cleaning, using a soft and clean brush and, if necessary, even with a spray. compressed air for those hard-to-reach corners (Needless to say, never use a vacuum cleaner).
When cleaning the motherboard with a brush, make sure it is from Soft hair (Be careful with typical brushes because they have very hard bristles) and that they are perfectly clean. Never press too hard, run the brush gently all over and always in the same direction if possible, so that all the dirt you remove from its surface goes to the same side.
Clean the motherboard “on top”
However, if you don’t want to get into the mess of having to take your entire PC apart to clean it inside, here are our “above” cleaning recommendations that, at least, will get you up and running. remove most of the accumulated dust:
- Shut down and unplug your computer completely.
- Remove the side of the box and lay it horizontally on a sturdy, firm surface.
- Remove the graphics card and RAM. If possible, also remove the radiator (you can take the opportunity to clean it as well and change the thermal paste).
- Now, paying particular attention to the fittings, clean as best as possible with the brush. Here it’s even more important to do it one way so that all the bullshit ends up on the same side.
- When finished, wipe off the area where the dirt has been with a rag to leave it clean.
- Reassemble the heat sink, RAM, and graphics card and reconnect them.
While this process is not, say, a deep cleaning, if you do it regularly you will end up with a more or less clean plate and thus prolong its life.
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