A bricked motherboard is a computer motherboard that has become non-functional due to a corrupted or failed BIOS update. Bricked motherboard occurs when the BIOS flashing process is interrupted by power loss, accidental unplugging, or using a corrupted BIOS file. The term “bricked” implies the motherboard has become as useful as a brick, rendering the computer inoperable until fixed.
When a motherboard is bricked, it will not POST (Power On Self Test) and the system will not boot at all. You may see no display output, or the system may appear to start up but immediately shut down again. In severe cases, the motherboard may emit beep codes indicating a BIOS failure.
Bricking a motherboard is every PC builder’s worst nightmare, but with the right precautions and recovery methods, it doesn’t have to be the end of your system. The key is to prevent the issue from happening in the first place through proper BIOS update procedures and a reliable power supply. If the worst does occur, there are steps you can take to unbrick the motherboard and get your PC back up and running. Let’s explore some of those methods next.
How to Tell if a Motherboard is Bricked?
There are a few more symptoms after a BIOS update or power interruption, your motherboard is likely bricked. But don’t lose hope! There are several methods to unbrick it, as we’ll cover in the next section.
No Display Output
When you power on the system, if you get no display output at all, even if the fans are spinning and LEDs are lit, it likely indicates a BIOS failure. The system is attempting to boot but can’t get past the initial POST checks.
Immediate Shutdown
Some bricked motherboards will appear to start up for a second, with fans spinning and LEDs illuminating, but then immediately shut down again. This is another sign that the BIOS is corrupted and the system can’t complete the boot process.
Beep Codes
If your system has onboard speakers, a bricked motherboard may emit a series of beep codes1. These codes are the system’s way of communicating error messages when there’s no display. Consult your motherboard manual to decipher what the specific beep pattern means, but in general, repeated short beeps or a long continuous beep usually indicate a BIOS failure.
No BIOS Access
If you can access the BIOS setup menu, your motherboard is not fully bricked. A bricked board won’t even get that far in the boot process. If you can enter the BIOS but it’s corrupted or doesn’t save settings, that’s a different issue that may be fixable.
How To Fix A Bricked Motherboard
If your motherboard becomes bricked due to a corrupted BIOS update, there are several methods you can try to revive it. The specific steps will depend on your motherboard model and whether it has any built-in BIOS recovery features. Let’s go through the most common solutions:
Dual BIOS Recovery
Some motherboards feature a secondary BIOS chip that automatically kicks in if the primary BIOS becomes corrupted. When you power on the system, the secondary BIOS will detect the issue and copy its contents to the primary BIOS, allowing the system to boot normally. Look for a physical switch or jumper on the motherboard that allows you to manually select the secondary BIOS if needed.
BIOS Flashback or Crash Free BIOS
Many modern motherboards include a BIOS recovery feature that lets you overwrite a corrupted BIOS using a USB flash drive. The process varies by manufacturer, but typically involves:
- Downloading the latest BIOS file from the motherboard maker’s website and extracting it to a USB drive
- Plugging the USB drive into a specific port on the rear I/O panel
- Pressing a dedicated BIOS Flashback button or simply powering on the system
- Waiting for the recovery process to complete, indicated by a flashing LED
This method allows you to restore a working BIOS without needing to access the BIOS setup menu or POST the system.
BIOS Chip Replacement
If your motherboard doesn’t have any built-in recovery options, you may be able to replace the BIOS chip itself. However, this requires some soldering skills and steady hands. You’ll need to:
- Carefully desolder the corrupted BIOS chip from the motherboard
- Source a replacement chip with the same make, model, and firmware version
- Solder the new chip in place, being careful not to damage nearby components
- Clear the CMOS and reset the BIOS settings after installation[1]
This is a delicate process and not recommended for beginners. Consider using an external BIOS programmer instead.
External BIOS Programmer
The most universal solution is to use an external BIOS programmer tool like the popular CH341A model. These inexpensive devices allow you to directly interface with the BIOS chip pins and flash a new BIOS image. The basic steps are:
- Connect the BIOS programmer to the pins of the corrupted chip on the motherboard, making sure the red cable lines up with pin 1
- Plug the programmer into a working PC via USB and install any included software
- Use the software to write a good BIOS image to the corrupted chip
- Clear the CMOS and reset the BIOS after flashing completes
This process can take some time and may require trial and error, but is often the best way to unbrick a motherboard without any built-in recovery options.
Final Words
Well, there you have it – a few different methods to bring your bricked motherboard back from the dead. While it may seem daunting.
My advice? Always connect your PC to a UPS when updating the BIOS, and consider buying a motherboard with built-in recovery options to prevent issues in the first place. But if disaster strikes, don’t panic. Try the dual BIOS or BIOS Flashback methods first. If those fail, an external BIOS programmer is your best bet.
Just be sure to back up your data regularly and invest in a good surge protector to avoid future bricked motherboard incidents.