Device for testing motherboards/equipment etc

[trickstar]

Morning all,

Is anyone aware of a device I could purchase which tests computer hardware, I want to test motherboards without plugging all the parts in and powering it up.

Is there such a device?

[vikpaw]

i got a little pci / isa based test board from ebay a couple of years ago.
it has a little speaker and error code output display, it essentially tests the basic functions and that post completes inc. memory testing. it'll raise issues with cache, memory, graphics port as it doesn't rely on seeing video output.

it's a bit tacky but does the job. if you want something that fully tests all the ports in/output then it's not the thing for you. but for 99p plus postage it's pretty cool.

it's similar to this item on ebay: 270220165764 except i paid less.

[Joanne]

"pc check" is a good tool.

Not sure how much it is though...

[Sirbendy]

I was going to say - POST card.

Or, do what I do..board on desk, PSU plugged in, cables in, fire up on the desk. Does it work? In a case it goes.

[flashsnaps]

Loads of bits on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-PC-Motherb...QQcmdZViewItem

Seems pritty useful, might get one myself!

[ICT_GUY]

Morning all,

Is anyone aware of a device I could purchase which tests computer hardware, I want to test motherboards without plugging all the parts in and powering it up.

Is there such a device?

Why?

If its old naff hardware, then you are probably better off leaving it till you need it, most stuff that comes out of old working systems will stay in working condition over exteneded periods, though the printed circuit boards will corode over time and short out.

[trickstar]

Why?

If its old naff hardware, then you are probably better off leaving it till you need it, most stuff that comes out of old working systems will stay in working condition over exteneded periods, though the printed circuit boards will corode over time and short out.

So i can find out straight away if the motheredboard is in working condition, rather than fiddling with it for a while.
The other day a computer came in, powered up, no display no beeps. I fiddled with it for ages, taking parts out - and trying to narrow down the problem. Turned out to be the motherboard had gone.