Troubleshooting Hardware Issues Lesson 005: Physical Component Damage

What are the normal places in a system that would have physical damage?

Chips, resistors, and capacitors.

What is the most common source of damage to sensitive components on a motherboard?

ESD and high thermal loads.

What can happen to ports and connectors in a system over time with use?

Will wear out and the pins can get damaged or bent.

What are the most basic things a tech can do to prevent damage to a system?

Plug things in the right way and keep the motherboard clean.

What is one of the most easiest things to detect in a system?

Liquid damage.

What can a tech usually deduce from a burning smell or smoke coming from a system?

Something is overheating.

What is a common fix that a tech can do to a system that has a burning smell or smoke coming from it?

Ensuring and cleaning any dust or dirt from the fans or other system components.

What is the most common cause of a rancid smell coming from a system?

A blown or burst capacitor.

Capacitor

A barrel-like or cylindrical shaped component that regulates electricity to chips in a system.

What will happen to a capacitor if it starts emitting internal chemicals?

It loses the ability to regulate electricity.

What indicates a failing or failed capacitor?

Bulging or swelling of said component.

What does the average tech do when a capacitor on a motherboard has failed?

Immediately shut down the system and replace the entire motherboard.