F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Purchasing a faulty motherboard could pose challenges. Consider its condition before buying.

Purchasing a faulty motherboard could pose challenges. Consider its condition before buying.

Purchasing a faulty motherboard could pose challenges. Consider its condition before buying.

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CoconutSlayer
Member
208
11-17-2025, 04:50 AM
#1
I discovered a motherboard with some bent pins that I can purchase at a reasonable price. However, I noticed the protective coating has worn off the PCB, which raises concerns. There aren’t any visible traces, and it appears to be a thin surface layer. While it seems like a cosmetic issue, it might affect performance or reliability. It’s located below the socket on the left side. The board is priced at $25 for a model with a $400+ Maximus IX Formula, and it looks like a decorative finish. Someone mentioned it could be due to dust or debris. I’ve asked for additional photos to better assess the situation. Edited March 12, 2020 by Z0S0
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CoconutSlayer
11-17-2025, 04:50 AM #1

I discovered a motherboard with some bent pins that I can purchase at a reasonable price. However, I noticed the protective coating has worn off the PCB, which raises concerns. There aren’t any visible traces, and it appears to be a thin surface layer. While it seems like a cosmetic issue, it might affect performance or reliability. It’s located below the socket on the left side. The board is priced at $25 for a model with a $400+ Maximus IX Formula, and it looks like a decorative finish. Someone mentioned it could be due to dust or debris. I’ve asked for additional photos to better assess the situation. Edited March 12, 2020 by Z0S0

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ZoloKu
Member
206
11-18-2025, 09:35 AM
#2
I’d walk away. It’s a DOA. It’s not worth the effort to fix it—you can’t be sure it’s not already damaged. You’d need the schematics and trace checks, but I don’t have them, believe it or not.
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ZoloKu
11-18-2025, 09:35 AM #2

I’d walk away. It’s a DOA. It’s not worth the effort to fix it—you can’t be sure it’s not already damaged. You’d need the schematics and trace checks, but I don’t have them, believe it or not.

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ItzBambiih
Junior Member
1
11-18-2025, 09:18 PM
#3
Take the chance for $30, else it’s not worth the effort or cost. Are you even certain the issue is just bent pins? The motherboard might be completely unusable.
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ItzBambiih
11-18-2025, 09:18 PM #3

Take the chance for $30, else it’s not worth the effort or cost. Are you even certain the issue is just bent pins? The motherboard might be completely unusable.

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_iTofuYou_
Member
52
11-18-2025, 10:54 PM
#4
Motherboards can be really frustrating to deal with, especially when they stop working properly. Broken ones are a hassle.
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_iTofuYou_
11-18-2025, 10:54 PM #4

Motherboards can be really frustrating to deal with, especially when they stop working properly. Broken ones are a hassle.

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sammylol1sam
Member
51
11-19-2025, 05:53 AM
#5
Only this data exists—it’s clearly $25. For a $450 Maximus IX Formula, there’s not much risk, but a huge reward possible. Edited March 12, 2020 by Z0S0
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sammylol1sam
11-19-2025, 05:53 AM #5

Only this data exists—it’s clearly $25. For a $450 Maximus IX Formula, there’s not much risk, but a huge reward possible. Edited March 12, 2020 by Z0S0

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sox_fan99
Junior Member
6
11-19-2025, 12:32 PM
#6
It doesn’t seem to be board damage—it appears to be cardboard or paper. I’d suggest asking the seller for a photo from a different perspective. Still uncertain.
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sox_fan99
11-19-2025, 12:32 PM #6

It doesn’t seem to be board damage—it appears to be cardboard or paper. I’d suggest asking the seller for a photo from a different perspective. Still uncertain.

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bemaynor
Junior Member
10
11-21-2025, 12:46 AM
#7
If you're not concerned about the cost, it's up to you whether you want to attempt it. Be warned it might require hours of effort to resolve, which makes me view it more as an investment of time rather than money. I wouldn't do it just for that reason. Faulty motherboards can be unpredictable, so even after spending a lot of time, it may still fail.
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bemaynor
11-21-2025, 12:46 AM #7

If you're not concerned about the cost, it's up to you whether you want to attempt it. Be warned it might require hours of effort to resolve, which makes me view it more as an investment of time rather than money. I wouldn't do it just for that reason. Faulty motherboards can be unpredictable, so even after spending a lot of time, it may still fail.

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WOGGIGAME8
Member
60
11-28-2025, 09:43 PM
#8
It could definitely be a valuable lesson. Plus, it’s just $25, so go for it (Nike suggests it).
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WOGGIGAME8
11-28-2025, 09:43 PM #8

It could definitely be a valuable lesson. Plus, it’s just $25, so go for it (Nike suggests it).

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SodaBubbles24
Member
145
11-30-2025, 01:34 AM
#9
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SodaBubbles24
11-30-2025, 01:34 AM #9

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bubble321
Junior Member
3
12-16-2025, 02:45 PM
#10
Great to be here! I’m new to this and mostly focus on PC-related stuff.
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bubble321
12-16-2025, 02:45 PM #10

Great to be here! I’m new to this and mostly focus on PC-related stuff.

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