Motherboard Questions, Replacements, and Issues Resolution

1. Browse to the "Dell Support" website.
2. You are given several options to identify your computer if your computer model is not shown.

   Either:

   • Select detect this PC automatically
     NOTE: You may be asked to Download & Install SupportAssist, which automatically identifies your computer for you. Follow the prompts to download and install SupportAssist.
   • Enter the Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID, or Model, and then touch or click the Search button, and select your computer from the list.
   • Select Browse all products: Then select the type of device that you have, the brand name, and then the product model.
     NOTE: For more information, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article, "How to Determine the Model Number of Your Dell Computer" or the video below. You may also refer to How to Get the Piece Part Identification (PPID) Number of the Motherboard on a Dell Computer
3. Select the DIAGNOSTICS tab.
4. You can choose to run the Quick Hardware Scan, the Advanced Troubleshooting Full Scan, or a Targeted Scan.
5. The selected test is run, and the results are shown.

When your computer cannot boot into Windows a Preboot diagnostic is available. To run the Dell enhanced Preboot System Assessment (ePSA) or Preboot System Assessment (PSA), perform the following steps.

1. Restart your Dell computer.
2. When the Dell logo appears, press the F12 key to enter One-time Boot Menu.
3. Select Diagnostics.
4. A quick test is performed. If the test fails, write down the error code and validation code.
   NOTE: To run more extensive test select ADVANCED TEST, you can run all or selected test in thorough mode and follow the on-screen prompts. If the test fails, write down the error code and validation code.

• Refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (SupportAssist ePSA, ePSA, or PSA Error Codes) for information about how to look up the error code for additional help.
• Browse to the "SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check" page to get more information about what to do when you have an ePSA or PSA diagnostic error code.

To learn more about Dell ePSA or PSA, browse to the Dell knowledge-base article "Resolve Hardware Issues With Built-in and Online Diagnostics (ePSA or PSA Error Codes)."

For most computers, once the motherboard in your computer has been replaced, the replacement motherboard has a preinjected key in the motherboard firmware that automatically activates Windows.

In a few cases, for various reasons, this automatic activation process may fail, and a replacement Service Product Key for Windows may be required to resolve the issue.

Refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article "Activating Windows After The Motherboard Has Been Replaced," for more information.

When Your Trusted Platform Module (TPM) enabled Dell computer has a motherboard replaced due to a No Power on Self-Test (POST) issue, and you have BitLocker enabled within the Operating System, you are required to enter the BitLocker Recovery key when booting to the Operating System.

See the Dell Knowledge Base article "BitLocker prompting for recovery key after Motherboard Replacement," for more information.

While some components on the motherboard such as the Memory or Hard Drive may be upgraded to higher capacities (depending on the computer), the motherboard itself is not meant to be upgraded.  Refer to Technical Specifications of Motherboards

Replacing the motherboard with another that is not an exact Dell branded replacement, voids any remaining warranty and is not supported by Dell.

For information about how to replace an out-of-warranty motherboard with an exact Dell branded replacement in your computer, see the Owners or Service Manual for your computer.

For more information about obtaining the Owner's or Service Manual, see the Dell Knowledge Base article "Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product."

For information about the System Board components on your computer, see the Owners or Service Manual for your computer.

For more information about obtaining the Owner's or Service Manual, see the Dell Knowledge Base article "Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product."