But really, since new socket 478 motherboards usually run between $50-$100 USD depending on the type of application they require (the type of processor, components attached, etc.), there’s no reason to not go with a new motherboard. These motherboards tend to be very delicate pieces of hardware that do require that each and every transistor, resistor, and capacitor be functional and attached as required. Used boards aren’t usually a good idea to go for unless you know and trust the person or company selling them. Refurbished motherboards tend to be of a little bit higher quality than a standard “used” one, but it’s important that you know the difference and are able to detect when a motherboard may actually be used (in the basic sense of the word) and not actually refurbished? Do you know the difference?
Well, a refurbished motherboard is just like a refurbished computer. It’s a board that’s probably been taken out of another computer that has been returned or scrapped, brought back to complete working condition, tested extensively, and put back out in the stores for sales. While these are usually very good and very cheap, there’s still a risk when buying one.
Why’s that? Well, no matter how well it’s been rebuilt, it’s still been rebuilt. There are still parts that could be showing signs of wear and will fail earlier than if you’d just bought one new. That’s why I always recommend buying cheaper components new. A laptop, okay, you could probably get away with getting one refurbished. A motherboard? C’mon, pony up the dough and just go for a new one. You’re going to save yourself a lot of hassle in the long term if you do it that way.
Anyway, cheap socket 478 refurbished motherboards are usually found at places like Amazon or TigerDirect. Check out either of them and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
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]]>So what does a laptop motherboard actually do? Is it the same as a motherboard on a desktop? Yes, actually, just smaller and less easy to customize/add parts to. Have no fear: You still can do all of these things, but it’ll likely be more difficult. Motherboards on laptops are usually wedged in there very tightly, and specifically designed to handle the components that normally come on that laptop; adding stuff is usually very difficult.
So, that being said, what should you look for? First of all, you need to know what type of motherboard your laptop takes. Without that you’ll be absolutely lost on what to actually buy. Just like laptop memory, motherboards aren’t usually able to be swapped from laptop to laptop either; you need the exact make and model.
Luckily, someone’s already made it easy for those of us who have probably misplaced the manual. Some sites have great little tools that allow you to select the make and model of laptop that you have, all the way down to the actual serial number found on the bottom of your system. Armed with this information, you can usually look down the page a bit and they’ll tell you exactly what goes in that particular model of laptop, all the way down to the laptop’s motherboard. Easy, huh?
Once you find out which ones can actually go into your computer, you have to decide on what you want. Do you want something that’ll run games? You need to ensure that the laptop motherboard you get is powerful enough to make it happen. Look for wattage ratings and the ability for the addition of extra memory, etc. If you’re simply looking for a motherboard that replaces the one you have without any extra frills, the tools I mentioned above should be a great way to start.
Good luck, everyone. Replacing a laptop motherboard is the harder step to this!
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