The motherboard BIOS is an essential piece of firmware that allows your computer to execute essential commands before the system starts up. If you have recently updated your motherboard and your system refuses to turn on, you may have a bricked motherboard on your hands. How to fix a bricked motherboard?
If you are lucky enough to have a dual BIOS motherboard, then fixing your bricked motherboard is not difficult at all. You just have to use the BIOS switch to switch to the backup BIOS and your system should start working again. If not, you may have a USB port on the back of your motherboard that allows you to flash the BIOS.
But how to fix a bricked motherboard if none of those options are available to you? How do you know which USB port to use? You can learn all about the topic by reading the text below.
How to Fix a Bricked Motherboard?
If your motherboard is not working and you are looking for ways to fix it, we are sincerely sorry and hope that your issue will be resolved by the end of the article. Without the motherboard working as intended, your computer is just a brick sitting on your desk that has no use at all except for being an expensive paperweight.
But before trying to fix it using more complex methods, doing a CMOS battery reset first is a good idea. You just have to take the CMOS battery out for about a minute and then put it back in. If your computer boots up, you are good to go. If not, continue reading.
So, if you have a dual BIOS motherboard, it is quite easy to fix a bricked motherboard then. You will have to do the following:
- Ground yourself by touching a piece of metal or, even better, use an antistatic wrist strap
- Open the side panel of your computer
- Locate the dual BIOS switch on your motherboard. It is often labeled so it is easier to find. You should open the motherboard manual to check where it is on your specific model to be sure. Be gentle while doing anything around the motherboard as it is quite fragile
- Change the position of the switch from the first BIOS to the second one
- Boot up your system
- Fix your first BIOS by updating it to a version that works or by reverting it to an older one
But since the dual BIOS feature is not that common and mostly reserved for high-end motherboards, you most likely do not have this option. In that case, you still have a few options left, so do not worry. Many modern motherboards have a USB port that is made for this exact situation.
You first have to get a USB flash drive, format it according to the instructions provided by the motherboard manufacturer and put the BIOS onto the stick. You will most likely have to use certain programs to make this work, so do not be surprised or put off by that.
Once you got the USB flash drive ready, you will have to find that USB port on your motherboard. Again, referring to the motherboard manual is the best idea. You can find the manual on their official website for your specific model. You may also have to use PS/2 for the keyboard to get this to work.
Flashing the BIOS is actually a simple process and you just have to follow the manufacturer’s guide. But what to do if this does not get it working either? In that case, you will either have to RMA it or bring it to a computer repair shop to have it fixed. Or you can do it yourself if you are a professional.
In this process, the physical BIOS chip on the motherboard is removed and replaced by another. It has to be the same chip for this to work. Again, do not attempt this if you do not have the know-how about circuits.
Conclusion
So, how to fix a bricked motherboard? If you have a motherboard with a dual BIOS or one that supports BIOS flashing even if the motherboard is bricked, it is not that difficult. But before you try to do any of that, you may just have to take out the CMOS battery and then put it back in as this will reset the BIOS. And if all else fails, the physical BIOS chip can be replaced by a professional.