Replacing your eMachines motherboard requires completely dismantling the computer.
Your computer's motherboard is the main printed circuit board where all hardware and electrical components connect with your computer. Without a working motherboard your computer is basically useless. Diagnosing specific problems with your motherboard is a costly and time consuming procedure. This is why many computer technicians will advise you to completely replace your motherboard in the event that it is not working. The T3958 is a desktop computer made by eMachines, which is a division of Acer. Replacing its motherboard requires that you completely dismantle the computer.
Instructions
1. Turn off the computer. Unplug all cables and peripheral devices from the data and networking ports on the back of the computer casing. Rotate the computer so the back panel faces you.
2. Lay the computer tower horizontally on its left side. Touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body before opening the computer casing. Remove the two Phillips-head thumb screws that secure the right-side access panel to the computer. Grasp the panel's molded grip, and remove it to reveal the inside of your computer.
3. Locate the drive cage mounted to the front panel from inside the computer. This is the metal frame that houses all of your computer's drives. Disconnect each drive's power and data cables from the motherboard. Spread apart the retention clips on either side of each memory module near the center of the motherboard. This releases the module from its memory slot. Pull straight up on each memory slot to remove them from their individual memory slots.
4. Locate the power supply mounted to the rear panel. Disconnect the power supply's main cable from the motherboard. Remove the PCI expansion cards attached to the back panel. The expansion cards include everything from your video card to your USB and Firewire ports. Each card is mounted to the back panel by a single, Phillips-head screw. Lift straight up on each card to disconnect from their individual motherboard sockets.
5. Remove the Phillips-head screws fastening the processor fan to the motherboard. Disconnect the fan's cable from the motherboard. Lift the fan off of the processor, and out of the computer. Disengage the lever securing the processor's metal cover in place. Lift up on the lever, and rotate the cover away from the processor so it is in the upright position. Lift straight up on the second lever securing the processor to its motherboard socket. Lift the processor out of the motherboard, and set it aside.
6. Disconnect all remaining cables from the motherboard. Take note of how and where each cable is connected. These cables must be reconnected to the new motherboard. Remove the seven Phillips-head screws fastening to the computer's casing. Carefully lift the entire motherboard out of the computer and set it aside.
7. Reverse this procedure to install the new motherboard, and reassemble the computer. Remember that all removed hardware must be transferred to the new motherboard as you reassemble the computer.
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