testing MB without a case - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Kllr Wolf · 06-26-2004, 04:38 PM

I have a motherboard and processor that might be in working condition. I wnat to test them as I have all the parts needed except a case. since most cases use a momentary switch for power is it possible to just jump the connnection on the board to get it to boot? I dont want anything fancy just enough to test the thing before spending money on a case for it.

Bamrak · 06-26-2004, 04:48 PM

Yes, just make sure the motherboard is NOT touching a desk or anything that could conduct electricity. Make sure that you have risers or even screws into the motherboard to suspend it off of your work area if you have doubts.
You can also use cardboard under it.
Here is an example

Kllr Wolf · 06-26-2004, 05:49 PM

cool thanks just happy to know I wont fry the thing while testing to see if it works

Dilbert1234567 · 06-27-2004, 10:08 AM

place it on the static bag it came from.

and to power it on, find where the power switch connects to the MB and cross the 2 pins with a screwdriver for a sec till you see the fan turn on.

Wyodiver33 · 06-27-2004, 11:26 AM

No, don't use the ESD static bag it came with, trust me.

Jolt · 06-28-2004, 06:37 PM

Yes, running a board sitting on an ESD bag is quite safe for bench testing. I don't think I'd want to do it permanently though.

yakimushi · 06-28-2004, 08:25 PM

Just do it on the kitchen table.

As long as your kitchen table isn't metal, that is.

irseg · 06-28-2004, 08:46 PM

The ESD bag does its job because it's coated with a metallic film/grid that dissipates static electricity. Putting a running mobo on one could very likely short the traces and fry it.

I needed to set up a temporary computer, and the board I had wouldn't fit my spare case. So I set the board on a cardboard box (make sure it's free of staples or metallic ink!) next to the case and used its power supply. Worked just fine.

Kllr Wolf · 06-28-2004, 10:30 PM

I knew about not using the static bags and am waiting for a little bit of time to set it up with some cardboard or a piece of wood. Ans thanks for all your help

Jolt · 06-30-2004, 05:12 PM

I still maintain the ESD bag is not a Bad Idea.

At work (yes, I work in a computer factory) we used to bench-test boards sitting on top of their boxes. One day about 2 years ago, a Microstar (MSI) field engineer was visiting our facility, saw us doing that, and recommended that we use static bags instead. We have done this since.

That's good enough for me.

Key · 07-03-2004, 01:34 AM

i've always used the bags and they work fine. this includes when i was working with the testing engineers at my old place which constantly have to test new mobos.

06-26-2004, 04:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kllr Wolf Psycho Location: Lubbock, TX	testing MB without a case I have a motherboard and processor that might be in working condition. I wnat to test them as I have all the parts needed except a case. since most cases use a momentary switch for power is it possible to just jump the connnection on the board to get it to boot? I dont want anything fancy just enough to test the thing before spending money on a case for it. __________________ Caffeine - the molecule of life.

06-26-2004, 05:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
Kllr Wolf Psycho Location: Lubbock, TX	cool thanks just happy to know I wont fry the thing while testing to see if it works __________________ Caffeine - the molecule of life.

06-27-2004, 10:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	place it on the static bag it came from. and to power it on, find where the power switch connects to the MB and cross the 2 pins with a screwdriver for a sec till you see the fan turn on. __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

06-27-2004, 11:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Wyodiver33 Just here for the beer. Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Floriduh	No, don't use the ESD static bag it came with, trust me. __________________ I like stuff.

06-28-2004, 10:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
Kllr Wolf Psycho Location: Lubbock, TX	I knew about not using the static bags and am waiting for a little bit of time to set it up with some cardboard or a piece of wood. Ans thanks for all your help __________________ Caffeine - the molecule of life.

06-26-2004, 04:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bamrak Enter Title Here Location: Tennessee	Yes, just make sure the motherboard is NOT touching a desk or anything that could conduct electricity. Make sure that you have risers or even screws into the motherboard to suspend it off of your work area if you have doubts. You can also use cardboard under it. Here is an example

06-28-2004, 06:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jolt Insane Location: Over here	Yes, running a board sitting on an ESD bag is quite safe for bench testing. I don't think I'd want to do it permanently though.

06-28-2004, 08:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
yakimushi Addict	Just do it on the kitchen table. As long as your kitchen table isn't metal, that is.

06-28-2004, 08:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
irseg Junkie Location: Florida	The ESD bag does its job because it's coated with a metallic film/grid that dissipates static electricity. Putting a running mobo on one could very likely short the traces and fry it. I needed to set up a temporary computer, and the board I had wouldn't fit my spare case. So I set the board on a cardboard box (make sure it's free of staples or metallic ink!) next to the case and used its power supply. Worked just fine.

06-30-2004, 05:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jolt Insane Location: Over here	I still maintain the ESD bag is not a Bad Idea. At work (yes, I work in a computer factory) we used to bench-test boards sitting on top of their boxes. One day about 2 years ago, a Microstar (MSI) field engineer was visiting our facility, saw us doing that, and recommended that we use static bags instead. We have done this since. That's good enough for me.

07-03-2004, 01:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
Key Crazy	i've always used the bags and they work fine. this includes when i was working with the testing engineers at my old place which constantly have to test new mobos.