Gateway Parts

How do i test individual computer parts.?

I am buying broken computers fixing them then selling them. I want to know if there is any way to test and see which parts of the computer are broken. Is there any way to individualy test the motherboard, hardrive, memory ect.... Is there some sort of machine or do people that fix computers just guess at the problem based on whats going on. I would really appreciate it if someone that regularly fixed computers would answer.

Public Comments

1. no you would have to make a test bench eg having parts you know that work, so to test a motherboard having a cpu and ram you know that works on the board and if it doesnt start up then you know its the board etc.. same with ram having a working motherboard/cpu power supply etc.
2. The first thing you need is a VOHM or voltage tester to test your power supplies before hooking them to potentially good motherboards. Each lead that comes out from the power supply has a certain colored wire and one of the three voltages must be there. Google the chart online. Next, after you are sure the power supply is putting out the right voltage from each lead and safe to use, you need a handy little gadget called PC Analyzer. It fits into an expansion slot and lets you know the status of anything that is hooked up to the motherboard and it includes a booklet of the digital codes it shows in it's readout. I get mine for only about $6.50 each at any tech shop in my area.