resistor or capacitor

[gigaart]

Hello, I am very knowledgeable about computers and electronics in general but have yet to understand the roles and functions of resistors or capacitors. However, i recently had a problem where i had a stripped out screw on a motherboard and used a pair of pliers to remove it but also accidentally removed a small component labeled as a EC9709. Does anyone have an idea of what function this component performed or ran as part of the motherboard? Also, do you believe the computer (laptop) will function worse without it? Thank you for you time in advance.

 

[Soulkeeper]

take a picture for us
"EC9709" isn't returning anything on google
Generally you search for the datasheets on components and you can find out everything about them, I'm guessing you read the wrong number.

 

[Torn Mind]

Is the EC9709 label on the board or on the component itself? Resistors usually don't have any letter markings and electrolytic capacitors(electrolytic are one type of capacitor with a distinct look) have microfarad and voltage ratings.

 

[Harvey]

Small capacitors are used primarily to set timing values in various circuits and to remove high frequency noise and interference from power lines and low frequency signal traces on the circuit board. Resistors are used to set voltage levels, limit current levels and, in combination with capacitors, to set timing values. If a resistor is missing, the circuit will probably fail. If a decoupling (noise removal) capacitor is missing, the circuit may work if it is still stable or it does not encounter the kinds of interference it was intended to remove.

In either case, some designer included the part to do something or prevent problems so don't be surprise if you start having random blue screens, reboots or other erratic behavior until it's replaced.

From the indentification, "EC9709," I can't tell what the part is. The motherboard maker's tech support people may be able to help you, or you could take the board to a competent repair tech. It sounds like you may not be experienced with soldering components so you'll need some help installing it once you identify the component.

Good luck.

 

[gigaart]

Here you go. Crap i think im going to have to replace the motherboard.

 

[Harvey]

Here you go. Crap i think im going to have to replace the motherboard.

The pic doesn't show enough detail to see the part numbers, but don't give up yet. To repeat Torn Mind's question, is "EC9709" a part number screened on the motherboard? If so, the manufacturer's tech support should be able to tell you the exact value of that part on your model.

The part, itself, shouldn't be very expensive, maybe under $1 if you can find it at a place that doesn't require a minimum order. A good local tech should know where to get it and what he'll charge to install it, and you'll know whether it's worth the cost versus replacing it.

 

[Berliner]

The image is not focussed close enough. If you cannot get your camera to focus closer, try to focus through a magnifying glass.

 

[gigaart]

See attached.

 

[Soulkeeper]

those are just board numbers

ie: component # 9709
likely a capacitor, impossible to know the value without measuring the old component or getting access to the manufacturer information.

are you absolutely sure you broke something off ?
many of the pads are blank, did you see the peice come off or locate it ?

I don't see any components on the other "EC" pads to compare with.

 

[gigaart]

those are just board numbers

ie: component # 9709
likely a capacitor, impossible to know the value without measuring the old component or getting access to the manufacturer information.

are you absolutely sure you broke something off ?
many of the pads are blank, did you see the peice come off or locate it ?

I don't see any components on the other "EC" pads to compare with.

Yes I'm certain something came off if you look at the first picture I posted in this post you will see that a capacitor is there. I got that picture from an eBay post of a replacement motherboard. I would really love to pay someone to repair this motherboard but it seems that I'm going to have to purchase a replacement. Ugh.

 

[piasabird]

If it is a motherboard a manual might have a schematic. Often some components are left off of the circuit board if it is a stripped down model. You see this a lot on lower end motherboards. Sometimes you can see a good closeup of a motherboard and zoom in.

 

[gigaart]

Thank you all for your help. I am just going to bite the bullet and do the right thing and purchase a replacement motherboard. I guess it might be time for me to invest a little in soldering and learning a little more on capacitors and resistors.