We usually associate overheating with processors, memories and graphics cards due to the fact that it is common to overclock these components. However, all of them are connected to the motherboard, to the CPU via the socket, to the RAM with DIMM or SO-DIMM modules and to the graphics card via the PCI Express port. We must start from the fact that on the motherboard there are a series of key circuits for the operation of the computer, such as the electrical power distribution system between the various components and the intercommunication with the peripherals through the Southbridge, also called chipset.
It is precisely in the distribution of energy and the associated analog circuits that a motherboard can suffer from overheating, since some components degrade with time of use or we can find short circuits that leave this part of the motherboard with unused overheating, which would lead us to have to change it, or it just works much worse.
How to avoid overheating
We must assume that motherboards are nothing more than a computer assembly of electronic components, which are designed to operate within a specific temperature range. Cooling a CPU, graphics card or RAM modules is easy with cooling components.
We must start from the fact that a motherboard is more difficult to cool because of its large size. So it depends on whether the hottest parts of the computer are properly cooled and that the design of the case they are all crammed into is well designed and built to draw in cool air from outside and expel air hot. Unsurprisingly, there are computer designs and pre-built case designs on the market that even set a few motherboards on fire in the process.
So when you buy a PC case, take a good look at the impressions of other users and think carefully about how you are going to assemble the cooling system, above all make sure that it breathes and that hot air can escape without problems. . So don’t pack your desktop computer, because you could drown it and cause, among other things, the motherboard to overheat.
Your motherboard is overheating due to dust
Let’s not forget about dust either, because the best way to avoid overheating once you’ve made sure that the cooling system is well thought out is to clean the dust from the computer. Due to the fact that its accumulation means a general increase in temperature. So keep your PC very clean inside.
check the fans
Conventional wisdom says that prevention is better than cure, so it is not only enough to clean the computer from time to time, but it is also important to check that the elements responsible for cooling are working. That is why it is crucial to clean the fans of our computer from time to time and check that they are working.
By the way, take the opportunity to check that the positioning of the fans is not counter-productive and remember that regardless of the number of fans supported by a box, that does not mean that you have to use them all, since an excess can lead to the obstruction of certain air flows and this is counter-productive. .
Your motherboard is overheating due to MOSFETs
In motherboards, like other electronic components that need to run on electrical power, there is a type of electronic device called a MOSFET, which stands for Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. Among their various tasks, they are responsible for executing the voltage variations that occur when distributing electricity through the various components of the board.
Put simply, what MOSFETs do is control the rate at which electrons pass through the motherboard, if the motherboard temperature is below 80 degrees Celsius, the current is faster and the transfer energy is more effective. What happens if it overheats due to the MOSFETs stopping working? Well, the flow of electrons begins to decrease and with it the performance of the motherboard.
The problem is that the material used for the construction of these components is one that increases the temperature. This is why many motherboard manufacturers often place these components under heatsinks to keep them cool. Thus, the poor health of these components leads to overheating of the motherboard. They must therefore be closely monitored.
If necessary replace the MOSFETs
If you suspect that the MOSFET capacitors have stopped working, just check them using measuring tools and replace them with others with the same specifications. Many times these will be marked on the same electronic component, but in others you will have to look at the exploded view and technical specifications of said motherboard.
In any case, we advise you not to do this operation if you lack sufficient knowledge. During the replacement operation, we also advise against changing a single capacitor on the board if they are found together. The usual thing is to replace them all at once when the time comes. In any case, you can also ask someone who has knowledge. Of course, weigh the cost of the process and whether it’s worth continuing with your current motherboard or buying another that’s compatible with your computer’s components or doing a complete upgrade.
The reality is that if you are careful and perform the corresponding maintenance on your computer from time to time, your motherboard will last you for many years. In the end, it all comes down to giving your computer the proper care. With this you will avoid having a motherboard that overheats and, therefore, where its operation is negatively affected.
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