My folks gave me their old computer, for helping them get a new one. Nice computer, but something of a glorified paperweight with a non-functional motherboard.
How straightforward is it to replace that baby? This is a Gateway machine, fwiw. Can I buy a new board, as long as its specs match the other crap (memory, sound card, etc) and just kinda pop it in there?
should a buy a book? are there free information resources on the 'net?
thanks,
jb
It all depends.
Does this Gateway machine use a proprietary form factor for the motherboard? In other words, will you be able to find a new motherboard that even fits inside the case?
Next, what condition are the rest of the components in? If the mobo has failed, is the HD likely to be in good condition?
Operating systems don’t like having an unfamiliar motherboard thrust on them. Many things could go wrong. If you switch out the mobo, the best thing to do after that is a clean install of the operating system, along with reinstalling all of your software, backing up files, etc. Are you equipped to do all this?
I’ve found reviving old machines to be a pain in the ass. You may want to consider just buying all new components (a cheap barebones package consisting of motherboard, memory and CPU might be a good deal). Maybe you can re-use your old case. Maybe not.
Yes, you can replace it yourself if you are so inclined. Just pick a new one by comparing the CPU, Ram, and types of slots now on the old one. A new motherboard will cost somewhere between $50 - $120 dollars or so with the average probably a little under $100 dollars. All you need to do it are some small screwdrivers, a pair of tweezers (to set the jumpers), and the manual that comes with the motherboard. You don’t really need any additional documentation. Setting all of the jumpers correctly and attaching the power on wires are the hardest parts IMO. Expect 2 - 3 hours of careful work your first time.
Make that “Microsoft operating systems” and I’ll agree. Linux doesn’t even blink - unless you try going from Intel to PPC or something weird.
Like Jpeg Jones say, your biggest problem is first finding out if the thing uses a normal mother board. If it does, then you have a fair chance - providing nothing else got fried when the main board quit.
If you have Windows NT or 2000 on it (which I doubt,) you’re probably in a world of hurt. It can be done, but you usually need to change the IDE driver back to standard before changing things out - which you can’t do since the mainboard is toast.
I don’t know about XP, but it may be the same.
Win95,98, and probably Me shouldn’t have that problem. Just swap the mainboard, then lean on the F8 key while booting the first time. Fire it up in Safe Mode, and scrap the graphic card driver (if it was an on board.) Reboot, and install new drivers from the new mainboard install CD and you should be OK.
Unless things have changed, Gateway uses proprietary form factors and you won’t be able to place a new motherboard in your case. What you can do, and I have done in the past, is to purchase a new case and motherboard and then take components from the old computer and assemble them into the new case. It’s really much simpler than one would expect.
On ebay.com you can get a used computer for what a new board costs.
What model is this Gateway computer?