Hello everyone, I've been gathering as much experience as possible lately with component level repair and troubleshooting and am looking to learn more. I generally work on desktop motherboards doing some basic component level stuff like failed VRM power stages but would like some advice on how to work out less obvious faults that don't show heat spots or physical damage. Some board models seem to have common failures. For example, I have a bunch of MSI Pro Z690-A motherboards that all have the exact same issue, they power on, VCORE shows 0 volts and the system will shut off after about 20 seconds and try again. Nothing on the board seems to be short, nothing gets hot, they haven't been messed with before. There are no schematics or datasheets available for the board or major ICs like the SIO or PWM but I do have working versions of the same boards to compare with.
What would be a good method of working with scenarios such as this where there is no technical data to go off of? I was thinking of just comparing diode mode readings on certain areas of the boards until something seems off but would appreciate input or advice on common faults on desktop motherboards, thank you!
No such thing as common faults on motherboards. Every board is different. You need a good board to compare readings. That's how you build experience. Mosfets and capacitors are components that commonly fail, but you have to know what to measure for and compare good reading with bad ones. The question is too generic.
@alex Thank you for the response, and yes it is a very general question and I apologize for that. The input of there not being common faults and to treat every board differently is still helpful and I'll be sure to keep that in mind!