Do you want to replace the motherboard of your Asus desktop computer? As the heart of the machine where all components are connected, replacing the motherboard of your computer is not an easy task. However, with the right tools, such as a magnetic crosshead screwdriver, and by following all the steps outlined in our guide, it is manageable.
Attention! Modifying the motherboard of your computer has consequences on the Windows license, depending on whether it is a separately purchased license, a pre-installed license, or a professional license. In general, remember that a Windows license can only be installed on one device, namely your old motherboard. Therefore, you need to handle the transition in advance. Microsoft has a page to help you understand these changes related to the operating system; you can check it out here.
What does a motherboard do?
It is the brain, the backbone of your computer. Composed of printed circuits, it has ports to connect with various devices and especially with components that will enhance the PC to give it the ability to work quickly with RAM, to think efficiently with a processor, to keep things in memory with a storage disk, etc. It also contains a BIOS chip allowing it to understand and be compatible with these new components, thus ensuring a correct startup of your computer. It is vital for the machine, ensuring many features for a healthy startup and operation of your PC.
Checklist before replacing your computer's motherboard
Check the ports and connections of the PC to ensure hardware compatibility
Changing the motherboard of your Asus computer is a significant event in the life of a computer, equivalent to starting from scratch in most cases. As all components are connected to it, it is essential to know the type of connector and ports suitable for each component you want to equip on your new motherboard, to avoid having to buy a new card or component due to incompatibility.
Keep in mind the following to help you:
- The size of your motherboard (ATX, micro-ATX) so that it fits into your case
- The processor socket (AM4, 1151)
- The type of RAM (DDR3, DDR4) and its maximum frequency
- The number and standard of PCI-Express buses
- The available SATA and M2 ports for respectively HDD and SSD storage
If you simply want to keep your current components, you can find all this information on the product pages by typing the component model into your preferred search engine.
Also, pay attention to the I/O ports at the back of your PC case; they are directly connected to the motherboard and should be considered when purchasing the new motherboard, based on your needs: USB 3.0, USB-C, VGA, and so on.
Backup all your data
Also, pay attention to the power supply connectors. Modern motherboards have different connectors for the CPU, fans, SSDs, and other components. Make sure your power supply unit (PSU) has the appropriate connectors and enough power to support the new motherboard and components.
Optional) Create a Windows installation disk/USB key
You will understand that your PC will behave as if it has just come out of the factory simply by changing the motherboard, and this also applies to Windows, which will need to be reinstalled. If you have a Windows installation disk, there is no need to create another one. If not, it will be necessary to create one, otherwise your computer will not be usable after replacing the motherboard. Microsoft provides a simple and practical guide for this purpose. Have your Windows license key ready or simply log in to your Microsoft account if it has already been activated.
At this point, you have a new motherboard compatible with all your components, old or new, an installation support for Windows with the appropriate license (disk, USB key, etc.), a backup of your personal data, and of course, a magnetic Phillips-head screwdriver. If you lack one, we offer a 122-tool kit. It is imperative to have a camera; it's a simple and effective way to remember the placement of components and cables during the motherboard change. Now, you have all the elements to replace the motherboard of your Asus computer.
Replacing the motherboard of your computer:
1. Remove the old motherboard
Before installing your new motherboard, it is necessary to remove the old one. Start by shutting down your computer correctly, then turn the power switch at the back to "0" to cut off the power supply.
Once this is done, disconnect each cable one by one. You can now lay your PC case on its side and open it to access the motherboard. Remember to discharge any static electricity that could damage the motherboard and your components by touching a grounding point for a few seconds.
A piece of advice: take as many photos as necessary of the inside and outside of your case before changing the motherboard to easily locate the appropriate position of each component and cable later when the motherboard has been replaced.
Let's start with the PCI-Express ports, namely the graphics card and other potentially connected cards on these ports (such as an Asus Wi-Fi card, for example). These connectors have plastic clips (C) that hold and stabilize the inserted cards, so you need to open them. A simple press is usually enough. Also, remember to disconnect the cable(s) (A) supplying power to these cards and then unscrew the part connected to the PC case (B). Gently slide the cards out of their respective ports. Be sure to keep the screws!
After dealing with the cards, let's address the SATA cables and others connected to your SSDs and storage hard drives. Disconnect them and simply set them aside while waiting for the installation of the new motherboard. If your computer is equipped with an M.2 SSD, also remember to remove it; it is generally located near the PCI-Express ports.
Take your screwdriver and unscrew the screw (A) to slowly slide the SSD out of its port (B). Don't be surprised; once the screw is removed, the disk slightly tilts by itself, which is entirely normal and will need to be done in the same way during reinstallation. Once again, be sure to keep the screws and the disk together.
The RAM memory, just as straightforwardly as the graphics card, is held in place by simple plastic clips (A). Open them and then remove the RAM modules by sliding them out of their slots.
The key point to remember is always to check the small arrow-marked notches on the processor and its socket. They indicate the direction in which it should be placed, with the goal of aligning them on top of each other to avoid errors. The processor is a delicate component, and even a slight force can cause serious damage. Therefore, make sure it is correctly positioned during reinstallation!
Tips:
- If space is limited for removing components directly connected to the motherboard (RAM, SSD, processor, etc.), it is entirely possible to do so once it has been extracted from the PC case for more comfort and freedom of movement!
- Disconnect the power cables from the motherboard: generally, two cables power it for a standard ATX form factor, one with 8 pins and another with 24 pins.
Your motherboard is now free of any components, but there are likely still small cables attached – those from the case itself. These cables control the ports, indicator lights, and switches on the front of the case, so they are important because without them, the power button would not function! Taking a photo here won't be helpful as the crucial information is typically small and indicated on each cable head.
No need to panic: key information is clearly outlined in the motherboard manual and will be documented in the manual for your new motherboard. Take the time to read and understand the orientation of each cable on each individual metal pin, and you shouldn't encounter any issues during reinstallation.
Now, with the screwdriver, remove each screw holding your old motherboard to the PC case and set them aside for later. The motherboard should now be floating in your case, without any restraint. Gently extract it, being mindful of the ports on the rear side of the case. You can also remove the protective shield from these ports from the inside; you will likely need to replace it with the one provided in the box with the new motherboard to adapt the ports.
If your old motherboard is still in working condition, we strongly advise you to keep it, as it can always be useful in case of problems.
Integrating the new motherboard into your computer:
Now, let's move on to the installation of the new motherboard. It's a matter of simply reversing the steps we just took. The photos you took earlier will prove very useful!
Reinstall elements onto the new motherboard, such as the processor, its fan, RAM, and potentially the SSD. Be sure to consult your motherboard's manual; information about the placement of RAM, modules, for example, may be provided and could differ from the photos taken earlier on your old motherboard. Also, install the I/O port shield by inserting it from the inside of the case (you may need to apply a little force to click it into place).
You can now place your new motherboard in the PC case and secure it in place using the screws from the previous motherboard. However, an important piece of advice is to be careful to use standoff screws for your motherboard so that it doesn't make direct contact with the case but is spaced a few millimeters away, thanks to the screws. Most PC cases now come with elevated standoffs by default, but if current were to flow while the motherboard touches the metal surface, the risk of damage would be significant. The motherboard should not be in contact with any part of the case except for the screws.
Once the motherboard is securely fixed in the case, reconnect the previously removed 8-pin and 24-pin power connectors. Do the same for any potential SATA cables and case connection cables. As explained earlier, there's no need for photos to connect these; rely on the manual of the new motherboard to connect each cable to its corresponding pin. Finally, address additional cards like graphics or Wi-Fi. Ensure that each cable is correctly connected at both ends and that everything is in place by comparing your new motherboard to the photos of the old one, then close the case.
Once the external cables are connected and the power is restored, the moment of truth has arrived. Your computer should start several times in succession as it adapts to the new motherboard. You can then reinstall Windows, completing the replacement of your motherboard.
If any problems arise at this point, contact the manufacturer of the motherboard for more information. Our team of Asus professionals is also at your disposal, so feel free to contact them via email.