Replacing a motherboard is a challenge but can be done.
When a desktop computer motherboard fails, there is no repair option for the motherboard itself. But a do-it-yourself motherboard replacement is indeed a viable option. Replacing a desktop computer motherboard is not as technically challenging as it sounds, though it can be time consuming. These replacement instructions will work for the eMachine T6534 desktop as well as most other major desktop machines.
Instructions
1. Purchase a replacement motherboard, one that matches the exact type and model number of motherboard in your eMachine T6534. While it may be possible to install other makes and models of motherboards into your computer case, there are two benefits to matching the replacement part: (1) the I/O ports in the back of the computer will line up correctly, and (2) your Windows Operating System won't require a full re-installation in order to boot. Change the motherboard make and model and Windows will be lost.
2. Unplug all the cables from the back of your eMachine and open the side cover.
3. Disconnect all the power supply electrical "mollies" from devices like the hard drive and the optical drives. Disconnect the power supply from the motherboard at the main socket. Unplug any wires leading from the power button to the motherboard. Disconnect any front USB or microphone/headphone jumpers from the motherboard. Unplug any processor heat sink fan wires from the motherboard too.
4. Unplug the IDE ribbon cables or SATA cables that connect the motherboard to the hard drive and optical drives. Leave these cables attached to their devices.
5. Remove any expansion PCI cards, including the video card, sound card, Ethernet card, or any other cards that are present in the expansion slots. Set these cards aside.
6. Loosen and remove the four screws holding the power supply box in place and lift it out of the case. You may have to slide the power supply slightly forward.
7. Remove the heat sink fan (if one exists) and the heat sink. Carefully separate the heat sink from the processor. Clean any old thermal paste from the bottom of the heat sink base. Unlatch the processor socket lock and remove the processor chip from the socket.
8. Locate the six to eight screws that hold the motherboard in place on the chassis. Unscrew them and remove them from the case; do not leave any screws rattling free inside the case.
9. Pull the motherboard away from the I/O port shields (where the mouse and keyboard plug in) and remove it from the case.
10. Feed the new motherboard into the case and rest it on top of the proper chassis screw holes. Adjust the motherboard so the I/O ports line up in the I/O shield "window" correctly. Restore the screws to the holes, one at a time, but do not overtighten any of the screws.
11. Insert the old processor into the slot and lock it closed. Apply new thermal paste to the bottom of the heat sink. Mount the heat sink on top of the processor with any screws or clamps provided. Replace the heat sink fan and plug it into the motherboard.
12. Restore the RAM sticks, the power and front panel cables, the IDE or SATA cables to the hard drive and optical drives, and any PCI cards to their proper positions.
13. Slide the power supply box back into place and replace the screws that hold it to the case. Reconnect the power mollies and plug the power supply back into the motherboard.
14. Connect your keyboard, mouse and monitor to the computer. Plug in the main power cord. Power up the computer for a test. If the computer does not boot, troubleshoot your work. There could be a wide variety of problems present, including a bad replacement motherboard, missing motherboard mounting screws, a bad processor, a processor overheating, a bad power supply, or bad RAM.
15. Shut down the computer if it boots successfully, finish any final housekeeping adjustments, and replace the cover.
Tags: heat sink, power supply, drive optical, drive optical drives, from motherboard