How to Store Motherboard to Prevent Damages [2022]
Have you ever had to deal with a broken motherboard? If yes, then you probably know how frustrating it is to get rid of a faulty component.
Motherboards are the main components of computers.
They contain chipsets that control the computer’s hardware, such as memory, storage devices, graphics cards, etc.
Motherboards also include connectors that connect these components together.
When a motherboard fails, you should immediately replace it because it can cause serious damage to other parts of the system.
In addition, it can be expensive to repair or replace.
In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to store a motherboard properly so that it doesn’t fail and become damaged when you need it most.
Motherboard Storage Ideas
Here are some ideas for proper motherboard storage:
Use Anti Static Bags
Anti-Static bags prevent static buildup on electronic equipment.
These bags are specially designed to hold electronics safely.
They come in different sizes and shapes.
You can buy them online or even from local stores.
Before placing your motherboard inside one, you must check whether it has any holes.
If it does, you might want to cover it with something else.
If you don’t have anti-static bags, you can use plastic wrap instead.
Just place the motherboard on top of the plastic wrap and tape it down tightly.
Place It Inside a Box
You can use a box to transport your motherboard.
Make sure that the box is big enough to fit all of your components.
You should also label each compartment to avoid confusion.
Store It in a Cool Place
A cool environment helps to preserve the life of your motherboard.
Avoid keeping it near heaters, radiators, vents, and other appliances that produce heat.
Keep It Away From Water
Water damages electronic equipment.
To avoid this problem, you should keep your motherboard far away from the water.
Protect It With Tape
Tape is useful for protecting your motherboard against scratches and dents.
Use clear packing tape to protect it from dirt and dust.
Wrapping it up
You should always wrap your motherboard carefully.
This protects it from being damaged while transporting it.
The best way to wrap it is by wrapping it in several layers of paper.
Ensure That It Is Safe
Before wrapping it, you should check whether it contains any sensitive components like chips, capacitors, resistors, etc.
Some motherboards contain these components.
If they are not covered, then you may want to move them to another location.
Conclusion
Storing a motherboard properly is very important.
By following the above-mentioned tips, you can easily store it without damaging it.
It is recommended that you follow these guidelines when storing your motherboard.
Things to Consider Before Storing a Motherboard
There are three things you have to consider before storing your motherboard:
1. Temperature
The first thing you need to do is ensure that the temperature in your room stays at a comfortable level.
Your motherboard needs to stay cool during transit.
It can lose its performance if it gets too hot.
2. Humidity
Humid air can make cables corrode faster.
You should keep your motherboard away from sources of humidity.
This includes areas where there is excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc.
3. Dust
Your motherboard is prone to dust accumulation.
Therefore, you should clean it regularly.
A good way to remove dust is by using compressed air.
Also, you should use an anti-static mat to protect it from static electricity.
These simple steps will help you maintain the integrity of your motherboard.
How to Store a Motherboard Long Term?
For long-term storage, you can simply place the motherboard in a static-free environment (such as an antistatic bag) and place it in a cool, dry location.
Anti-static bags are available at any electronics store.
They ensure that the motherboard will not be affected by static electricity and will last longer.
How Long Can You Store a Motherboard?
I am going, to be honest here.
I’ve never actually bothered to find out how long you could store a motherboard before replacing it.
Most people would say “as long as possible” but I really wouldn’t go that far.
In my opinion, if you are planning to replace it within 6 months (and only because you need to upgrade), then you probably shouldn’t bother.
But if you plan to leave it untouched for 3 years – maybe 4 years – then there’s no harm in leaving it somewhere safe.
And if you do decide to replace it after 3 years, then just make sure that you get a new board that matches exactly what’s already in your system.
The reason why I suggest waiting until you need to replace it is that most boards will fail at some point.
Even though you don’t think so, the chances are high that you will eventually run into problems.
What Should You Do When Your Motherboard Fails?
It isn’t much you can do when your motherboard fails.
But you should definitely look for a replacement immediately.
When your board doesn’t work anymore, you should first try to figure out what went wrong.
This will help you identify the issue and fix it.
If you haven’t done anything with your computer yet, then you should shut it down immediately.
Then, disconnect everything except the power cord.
After shutting down your PC, remove the case.
Take out all of the screws and gently pry off the front panel.
If you have a liquid cooling solution installed, then you should drain all of the liquid before removing the cover.
Also, take note of all of the cables and connections on the motherboard.
Once you have removed the front panel, you should start looking for the issue.
Make sure that you check every part of the motherboard:
- CPU socket
- RAM slots
- Video card slot
- Power supply
- PCI-e slots
- SATA ports
- USB ports
- Audio/video jacks
- Fan headers
- Memory modules
- Chipsets
- Other connectors
In order to determine which component failed, you should use an oscilloscope or logic analyzer.
These devices allow you to monitor electrical signals and see where and when something goes wrong.
If you don’t know how to use one of those tools, then you should ask someone who does.
They will be able to tell you what each connector on the motherboard means and how to read the data from it.
Also, if you don’t have access to a device like this, then you should consider buying one.
There are many online stores where you can buy such equipment for less than $100.
