A specialist in a service center, after diagnosing your computer, issued a verdict: the north bridge burned down. What is it about the video card, network adapters, motherboard and other important things you, of course, have heard. But I haven’t had to talk about bridges yet ... What should I do and should I really worry? Now let's figure it out! This article will focus on the purpose of such an important element and maintaining it in working condition.
It's no secret that the motherboard is the most important element of any computer. It consists of literally everything from power slots to USB sockets, including the north and south bridges. The latter refers to microcontrollers that control the operation of the periphery. In particular, the north is responsible for the connection of the processor with the video card and RAM, and the south is necessary for interacting with network adapters and input / output devices.
Reference! Bridges operate at different frequencies (upper - at large, lower - at small). Hence the difference in the amount of heat generated by them.
So Northbridge (as it is called in English literature) is one of the most irreplaceable parts of the device. Due to its proximity to powerful electronic components, a serious cooling system is required (a radiator or cooler is always installed near the bridge).
The main functions of the north bridge are:
- processor launch (inclusion);
- video card launch;
- memory management;
- recognition of system bus parameters.
So it turns out that in case of breakdown (most often burning) of this chipset, further work with the laptop is impossible. In this case, when turned on, the screen most often does not light up. The following manifestations are also possible: the computer turns on only 5-10 times, it can independently restart or shut down, there is no access to RAM or to the hard disk (an unpleasant sound is heard).
The most logical solution to this problem will be to ensure that the laptop does not overheat. This means that you need to try not to leave it turned on on the bed, pillows, work less while placing it on your lap. Along with this, it is imperative to regularly conduct routine inspections and clean the cooling system.
It is recommended to remove the back cover once every six months to:
- remove accumulated dust;
- clean the cooler;
- change thermal paste on the processor, video card and north bridge.
In addition to overheating, this element may fail due to physical damage or a drop of water. It must be remembered that the bridge is a very fragile element.
What if the "diagnosis", which was mentioned at the beginning of the article, has already been made to your device? Immediately return it to a service center to specialists! Do not even try to replace the necessary part yourself. The chip in question is soldered to the board using BGA technology. Replacement requires not only the availability of professional skills, but also serious equipment.
Reference! BGA mounting provides for the shrinkage of an element on a board using literally thousands of pads (solder balls).
If you follow the tips for extending the life of the chipset and use the laptop with due care, then no replacement is required and it will work without interruption for many years. Now you know all the most important about the North Bridge element and do not let it fail.
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