Member Avatar for cafe3

I have a HP Pavillion ze200 laptop, the motherboard has been burnt out and I need to replace it. I don't know being that I have never done that before if it is easy enough to do or too complicated, or of course is it worth it. Where could I get instructions beforehand if I wanted to do that?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 95 Views
  • 2 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by efmesch

Dani AI

Generated

This thread already has two useful directions: flagged that a simple fault can mimic a dead motherboard, and pointed out that laptop mainboards are model-specific. Below is a short, practical checklist and decision flow to use before committing to a replacement.

Start with safe, low-effort checks. If there is a burning smell or visible scorch, unplug immediately. Verify the AC adapter by measuring its output against the label with a multimeter. Inspect around the DC jack and power input area for burned components or bulging capacitors. With the battery removed, try powering the laptop from AC only. If the adapter voltage is correct but nothing on the board powers up, the fault is likely inside the power stage of the mainboard.

If the board is almost certainly dead, identify the exact mainboard part number stamped on the PCB or inside the case. Only boards with the same part number (or the exact OEM spare part number) are safe replacements; mismatched boards often fail to boot. When swapping a board, transfer heatsinks and cooling hardware, use fresh thermal paste, keep screws and connectors labeled, and take photos during disassembly. ESD precautions are important.

Cost and data: retrieve the hard drive first — it will boot in a USB enclosure and let you preserve files regardless of repair outcome. Compare the price of a used OEM board plus your time against buying a replacement laptop. For a reliable diagnosis and a written repair estimate, a local repair shop is often worth the fee if DIY experience is limited.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for efmesch

What makes you certain that your mother board is burned out? I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago--when I would start my computer absolutely nothing would happen on screen--I too was certain that it was my mother board--I took it to my dealer/technician expecting to have to replace it but it turned out that my DDR memory had burned out. Simply replacing the memory stick solved all my problems. I wish I could say that my computer works like new (it has all sorts of "standard" bugs) but it certainly works a well as it did before the memery went.
In short--check out your memory before changing the mother board.

Member Avatar for jbennet

You will need a new PC. You cannot put a standard motherboard in an recent HP or Dell case as they are of a nonstandard form-factor and psu pinout.

Member Avatar for cafe3

What makes you certain that your mother board is burned out? I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago--when I would start my computer absolutely nothing would happen on screen--I too was certain that it was my mother board--I took it to my dealer/technician expecting to have to replace it but it turned out that my DDR memory had burned out. Simply replacing the memory stick solved all my problems. I wish I could say that my computer works like new (it has all sorts of "standard" bugs) but it certainly works a well as it did before the memery went.
In short--check out your memory before changing the mother board.

The reason I think the motherboard is burnt out is because there are no lights at all, no sign of life whatsoever. Where is the memory stick located in the computer?

Member Avatar for efmesch

Initially I wasn't aware that you were dealing with a laptop--but that doesn't change the basic issue. I would suggest looking in the site of the manufacturer--they might have a diagram of your model and show you how to get to it. I can only say that it should be hidden behind some screwed-on cover. Before buying a new memory stick, bring in in to some computer store/technician to test it out.
I don't guarantee that my guess is correct, but it's worth a try, considering the alternatives.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.