If you are not familiar with the different parts that make up a motherboard, read this exhaustive webpage that explains the motherboard architecture.

Troubleshooting common motherboard problems –

• Visit common motherboard issues page to get some basic questions answered.
• Start by inspecting the motherboard to see if there are any lose components, power cords, connections, missing  jumper caps, lose memory cards, audio cards, video graphics cards etc.
• If you are still having problems, start over again by removing one component at a time. Start by removing video card, and then the audio card. This way we can isolate the problem better.
• Check the Jumper settings. Refer to your motherboard manual to get proper setting instructions. Alternatively, you can also refer to this online list. Make sure you set the jumpers correctly for the processor, bus speed etc.
• If you have played around with the BIOS settings, return it to default.
• Check the power supply to and from the SMPS and wall sockets. Power fluctuations and power surges must be isolated using an UPS.
• Check for physical damage to the motherboard surface and also check for any bent/broken pins.
• Upgrade BIOS version and install latest motherboard device drivers on a regular basis.

Here’s some information regarding motherboards that you may want to know about. Though motherboard maintenance is not done by most people on a regular basis, here are some tips that you may find useful if at all ever you need to do it yourself. Note: Exercise constraint while handling motherboard circuit board components as it’s fragile and can be affected by even a small electrostatic discharge (ESD) passed on from your hands to the circuit parts you come in contact with! Make sure you are using protective anti-static devices/apparel before handling the motherboard. Also make sure that the power supply cable is removed from the socket before opening up your pc for inspection.

Motherboard maintenance tips –

• Assuming that the power cord is disconnected and you are using proper anti-static equipment, start by blowing compressed air over the motherboard to get rid of dust and grime. Make sure you hold the air compressor nozzle at an angle so as to blow dust out of the cabinet.
• After blowing air, use a small hand held battery operated vacuum cleaner to suck out any dirt left over inside the cabinet. DO NOT use a regular electric powered cleaner as it has the potential to produce electric discharges.
• For both procedures mentioned above, make sure the blower/vacuum cleaner nozzles are not coming in contact with the motherboard. Also make sure not to blow away or pull out small motherboard components like jumpers.
• Clean the heat sink of the motherboard using an anti-static cloth and make sure it is seated properly on the processor.
• Remove any expansion cards like RAM, video cards and wipe the gold contacts gently using an anti-static cloth. Once cleaning is done, put them back into their respective slots and make sure they are seated properly.
• Check connection cables and other contacts. Make sure there are no lose connections.
• Check all motherboard mounting screws and make sure they are fastened properly.
• Keep an eye out for the CMOS battery. Replace discharged batteries immediately.

The above mentioned motherboard maintenance tips can be performed for desktop pc, at least once a year. This ensures longevity of its components.