Troubleshoot the Gigabyte motherboard, but the issue is probably caused by another device.
The Gigabyte EP45-UD3P is one of the more reliable motherboards made for Intel dual core processors. It is a highly reliable motherboard with many electrical safety features that give it higher protection against brownouts and electrical shorts. Other features include the upgraded DDR 2 and DDR 3 memory controllers, making this a much faster motherboard. Even though there are no known issues with the EP 45 motherboard, it can still fail as other motherboards do, though less frequently. However, signs of a failed motherboard can be confused with other device failures. By troubleshooting the Gigabyte EP 45-UD3P you can determine whether the problem is really the motherboard or some other issue.
Instructions
Freezes & Restarts
1. Turn on the PC and look for screen freezes, application freezes or sudden restarts for no apparent reason. These are indications of motherboard issue but can also indicate a RAM or hard drive problem.
2. Disconnect the power cord from the computer and turn it so the back end faces you. Unfasten the screws holding the right side panel and slide the panel toward you and off the machine.
3. Locate the RAM memory, push back the securing slot levers slightly so you can remove the RAM. Clean the RAM module pins with a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Replace the RAM with a different module if possible to give you a better idea of the cause of the problem. Otherwise, replace the RAM in another slot and reconnect the power and video cord. Check to see if the PC continues to freeze or continually restart.
4. Disconnect the hard drive from the motherboard and replace with a different one. It's freezing continues after placing the RAM and the hard drive, the issue is most likely caused by the Gigabyte motherboard.
Dead PC
5. Turn the computer back around so the front is facing you. Look at the indicator lights to see if they turn on when PC is powered on. Though a dead PC can indicate a failed motherboard, it can also indicate a failed power supply or video card.
6. Check for computer sounds like the hard drive and fans spin start-up. Connect another monitor to the PC, if you hear sounds and see indicator lights, then this could be video related.
7. Turn the computer around to access the rear of the machine again, if the indicator lights do not turn on. Get close to the back fan of the computer and check for a burnt electrical odor, as this indicates a failed power supply. Look closely at the motherboard and determine whether there is a burnt odor emanating from it. If this is the case an electrical short in the power supply may have caused a short in the motherboard too.
8. Replace the power supply if you detect the odor in it, but not in the motherboard.
Non Working Ports
9. Go to the "Start" menu and right click on "Computer." Select the "Properties" option and select the "Hardware" tab. Wait for a new window to appear and choose "Device Manager." Select each of the devices like, the USB, BIOS, Network, Video, and IDE and click "Update Driver" to update each of the drivers. Non-working ports can be caused by outdated drivers, but, can also indicate an issue with the Gigabyte motherboard.
10. Replace any of the USB devices like the keyboard, mouse or printer to make sure that the device is not causing the problem.
11. Check for functionality after updating the drivers and changing the devices from ports, if you still experience intermittent and USB, PS/2 or video connection problems then the issue may be the Gigabyte motherboard.
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