How Much Does Motherboard Short Circuit Repair Cost?
Your computer depends on the motherboard like the human body depends on the heart. If the motherboard fails, nothing else can work. Among all issues, a short circuit is the most dangerous. It not only stops the computer from turning on but can also damage other parts if ignored.
The first question that comes to every user’s mind is, “How much will Motherboard Short Circuit Repair Cost?” The answer is not the same for everyone because repair cost depends on the faulty part, the brand of motherboard, and the technician’s labour charges.
As an expert technician, I will explain how to detect a short circuit, how repairs are done, what components are changed, and the exact repair cost with price lists.
Signs of a Motherboard Short Circuit
Before we go into repair and cost, let us quickly see how you know the motherboard is shorted:
- The computer does not turn on at all
- Continuous restarting or shutting down
- Strange burning smell
- Unusual heating in one section
- Power supply trips or cuts off
If you see these signs, you must stop using the system and take it for testing.
How Technicians Detect the Fault?
Finding the fault is the most important part of repairing a short circuit. Skilled technicians use several methods to carefully locate the faulty component.
1. Visual Inspection
- Look for burn marks, black spots, swollen capacitors.
- A microscope helps to see tiny cracks in circuits.
2. Multimeter Testing
- A digital multimeter checks resistance and voltage.
- If resistance is zero or very low, that area has a short.
3. Thermal Camera / Heat Test
- When power is given, the shorted part gets hot very fast.
- A thermal camera or infrared gun detects the hotspot.
4. Power Supply Monitoring
- A regulated DC power supply is connected.
- If current goes very high, the faulty section is confirmed.
How is the Repair Work Done?
After the shorted component is found, repair work begins.
- Step 1: Remove Faulty Part – Damaged capacitors, MOSFETs, or ICs are removed using hot air or soldering iron.
- Step 2: Retest the Circuit – The motherboard is checked again to confirm the short is gone.
- Step 3: Replace with New Part – A fresh component of the same type and rating is installed.
- Step 4: Advanced Repairs if Needed – For chipset or GPU shorts, BGA reballing or chip replacement is done, which takes more time and cost.
Cost of Motherboard Short Circuit Repair
Here is the detailed cost breakdown:
| Type of Repair | Fault | Component Price | Labour Charge | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Component Short (Basic Repairs) | Faulty capacitors, resistors, diodes | ₹20 – ₹150 | ₹600 – ₹1200 | ₹800 – ₹1500 |
| Power Section Short (MOSFETs, Power ICs) | MOSFET or VRM IC failure | ₹100 – ₹1200 | ₹800 – ₹1500 | ₹1500 – ₹2500 |
| Chipset or GPU Short (Advanced Cases) | Southbridge, chipset, or graphics IC | ₹1500 – ₹4000 (₹5000 for GPU) | ₹1500 – ₹3000 | ₹4000 – ₹7000 |
| Simple Fixes (No Major Parts) | Cleaning, resoldering, minor adjustments | Nil or very low | ₹500 – ₹800 | ₹500 – ₹1000 |
Quick List of Common Component Prices
- Capacitors: ₹20 – ₹150 each
- Resistors: ₹10 – ₹50
- Diodes: ₹20 – ₹100
- MOSFETs: ₹100 – ₹300
- Power ICs: ₹300 – ₹1200
- Chipset (Southbridge): ₹1500 – ₹4000
- GPU IC: ₹2000 – ₹5000
- SMD Small Parts: ₹10 – ₹100
Labour Charges for Short Circuit Repairs
- Basic Short Repair: ₹600 – ₹1200
- MOSFET / Power IC Replacement: ₹800 – ₹1500
- Chipset / GPU Reballing: ₹1500 – ₹3000
- General Testing / Diagnosis Fee: ₹300 – ₹500
What Affects the Final Cost?
Many things change the final bill:
- Motherboard Type – Laptop repairs are costlier than desktop.
- Brand – Apple, Dell, or gaming laptops have expensive ICs.
- Availability of Parts – Older models need rare chips.
- City / Location – Metro city charges are higher.
- Warranty – Good repair shops give 1–3 months warranty, which may add to cost but gives peace of mind.
Repair vs Replacement – Which is Better?
- Repair is best when the cost is below 40% of motherboard price.
- Replacement is better if chipset or GPU repair cost is more than half of the motherboard’s new price.
- For laptops, repair is usually cheaper because original replacement motherboards are very costly.
Conclusion
A motherboard short circuit is a serious issue but it can be repaired in most cases. The repair cost usually falls between ₹800 to ₹7000, depending on the fault. Small capacitor shorts are the cheapest to fix, while chipset or GPU faults are the most expensive.
Always choose a skilled and trusted technician who provides a warranty. With the right tools and knowledge, your motherboard can be saved and your computer will run smoothly again, without wasting money on a full replacement.
