Arc Raiders Where to Find Fried Motherboard – Fried Motherboard locations

Fried Motherboards are one of the most sought-after Technological items in Arc Raiders. Players need exactly 3 Fried Motherboards to upgrade their Utility Station from Level 2 to Level 3, making this Rare item essential for Raider Den progression. Finding Fried Motherboards requires searching Technological areas marked with the circuit board icon on your map.

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Thomas .M
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Thomas has been writing game guides for over a year, covering whatever he's currently sunk into. He doesn't write about anything he hasn't actually played, which...
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Fried Motherboard

Weight: 3 KG | Stack Size: 3 | Sell Value: 2,000 Raider Coins | Area: Technological | Rarity: Rare

This guide covers the best maps, container types, and specific locations to farm Fried Motherboards efficiently. With the right approach, you can gather all three required motherboards in just a few quick raids.

Fried Motherboards spawn primarily in Technological areas, marked on the map with a circuit board icon. These zones contain server rooms, processing facilities, and tech infrastructure, where Fried Motherboards naturally appear alongside other electronic components such as Processors, Sensors, and Damaged Heat Sinks. In my own runs, I found Fried Motherboards in Breachable Server Containers, Electronic Cupboards, and Computer Terminals. With most luck in Breachable Yellow Server Containers.


Best Fried Motherboard Locations

While Fried Motherboards primarily spawn across multiple maps in Technological areas or Electrical areas, several locations stand out for reliable farming. Below are the best spots organized by map, starting with the most efficient options.

All maps
Map of Stella Montis (Lower Level) by Gamer GuidesLoading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity Bridge
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboards can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

Dam Battlegrounds

Dam Battlegrounds accounts for 38% of all Fried Motherboard finds, according to community data. The standout location is the Water Treatment Control, a small building located just east of the main Water Treatment Control facility. This POI contains 5 Breachable Containers mounted on the walls.

Map of Dam Battlegrounds showing where Fried Motherboards can be foundThe DamThe DamSwampSwampVictory RidgeVictory RidgeWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA rocky basin full of old power generators.Loot: ElectricalRed LakesRed LakesScrap YardScrap YardLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialFormicai HillsFormicai HillsFormicai OutpostFormicai OutpostPrimary FacilityPrimary FacilityLoot: Mechanical, IndustrialBen Welder's SunroofBen Welder's SunroofRuby ResidenceRuby ResidenceWreckageWreckageHydroponic Dome ComplexHydroponic Dome ComplexA field scattered with glass domes that were once used for plant cultivation.High-threat area · Loot: Nature, Industrial, SecurityPale ApartmentsPale ApartmentsWest Broken BridgeWest Broken BridgeRaider Outpost EastRaider Outpost EastFloodgatesFloodgatesEast Broken BridgeEast Broken BridgePattern HousePattern HouseOld BattlegroundOld BattlegroundAn old First Wave battleground where lopsided forts and wrecked ARC parts still remain.Loot: ARCSmall CreekSmall CreekSouth Swamp OutpostSouth Swamp OutpostElectrical TowerElectrical TowerControl TowerControl TowerLocated above the Admin building. An excellent vantage point for looking out over the battlegrounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityPower Generation ComplexPower Generation ComplexA rusting relic of hydrogen infrastructure.Medium-threat area · Loot: Electrical, IndustrialTesting AnnexTesting AnnexA half-drowned testing center overlooking the red lakes.Medium-threat area · Loot: Medical, CommercialControlled Access ZoneControlled Access ZoneIvy and rusting ARC husks are all that’s seemingly left of this underground power stationHigh-threat area · Loot: ARC, MechanicalResearch & AdministrationResearch & AdministrationThe abandoned administrative building for the Enelica corporation.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalRed Lakes BalconyRed Lakes BalconyPipeline TowerPipeline TowerThe BreachThe BreachWater Treatment ControlWater Treatment ControlA concrete monolith of pipes, tubes, and old water treatment equipment.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalGenerator HallGenerator Hall
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboards can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

Multiple players report near-guaranteed Fried Motherboard spawns from this location. One player documented finding 9 Fried Motherboards across just 3 runs at this single building. The containers here also spawn Damaged Heat Sinks, Sensors, and Cooling Fans, making it an excellent multi-purpose farming spot for Technological items.

The Water Treatment Control Hut sits in a relatively accessible area with an extraction point nearby. You can run a quick loop through the building, breach all five containers, and extract within minutes. This efficiency makes Dam Battlegrounds the recommended first choice for Fried Motherboard farming.

Pro Tip

The Water Treatment Control Hut has 5 Breachable Containers in a small space. Clear all of them before extracting. Players report finding 2-4 Fried Motherboards per run consistently.

Stella Montis

Stella Montis contributes 19% of Fried Motherboard finds, but offers a unique advantage for risk-averse players. The map tends to have friendlier lobbies, especially for players with good reputation. The primary farming location is Assembly Workshop, located in the top portion of the map.

Map of Stella Montis (lower level) showing where Fried Motherboards can be foundLoading BayLoading BayMedium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialAtriumAtriumCultural ArchivesCultural ArchivesAn underground storage unit of humanity’s premier works of art and literature.High-threat area · Loot: Old WorldMedical ResearchMedical ResearchIt seems that advanced medical research was being conducted here, far beyond what Raiders have encountered in other old medical bays.High-threat area · Loot: Medical, TechnologicalAssemblyAssemblySome experimental technology was being explored on these high-tech assembly lines.CommunicationsCommunicationsLoot: Electrical, TechnologicalCentral CorridorCentral CorridorBusiness CenterBusiness CenterA large, hard to access viewing area where private meetings were likely hosted.Loot: Exodus, CommercialLobbyLobbyMedium-threat area · Loot: Security, TechnologicalCafeteriaCafeteriaFew traces of humanity are left in this strangely empty cafeteria.Assembly WorkshopsAssembly WorkshopsMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalAuditoriumAuditoriumViewing DeckViewing DeckCargo Dock ACargo Dock ABusiness LoungeBusiness LoungeStorage RoomStorage RoomCargo Dock BCargo Dock BAssembly LineAssembly LineSecurity BridgeSecurity Bridge
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboards can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

Assembly Workshop contains numerous Breachable Lockers spread across multiple floors. Players report finding 3 Fried Motherboards within approximately one minute of focused looting. The upstairs area features additional drawers, small cabinets, and square cabinets that can also spawn rare Technological materials.

The Medbay on Stella Montis serves as an alternative farming spot with its own collection of Breachable Containers. While primarily a Medical area, the Medbay contains enough Technological spawns to make it worth checking during your farming runs. You can create an efficient loop between Assembly Workshop and Medbay to maximize your Fried Motherboard yield per raid.

Info

Stella Montis is ideal for zero-risk farming. Bring an empty loadout or basic gun, use your Safe Pocket for Fried Motherboards, and you lose nothing if killed. Good reputation players encounter friendlier lobbies here.

Blue Gate

Blue Gate accounts for only 6% of Fried Motherboard finds, but the Pilgrim’s Peak area remains a popular farming destination. Located in the top portion of the map, Pilgrim’s Peak is a Technological zone filled with large metal server containers and processing units.

Map of Blue Gate showing where Fried Motherboards can be foundGate ApproachGate ApproachThe MountainsThe MountainsThe ForestThe ForestRidgelineRidgelineCheckpointCheckpointPiles and piles of abandoned vehicles sit outside the gates, forever waiting to be let in.High-threat area · Loot: MechanicalPilgrim's PeakPilgrim's PeakAn antenna that has been seemingly transformed by traveling pilgrims.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, ElectricalOuter GatesOuter GatesHeadhouseHeadhouseFarmlandsFarmlandsRaider's RefugeRaider's RefugeRaiders are trying to make this outpost their own. The ARC are making that difficult.Medium-threat area · Loot: ResidentialVillageVillageA village from long before the sprawling astro-infrastructure took over the land.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, ResidentialReinforced ReceptionReinforced ReceptionMysterious facility that’s strangely fortified.Loot: Security, TechnologicalWarehouse ComplexWarehouse ComplexRumor has it that there's more than just rats running through this old Supracosta warehouse.Medium-threat area · Loot: IndustrialBarren ClearingBarren ClearingLoot: ARCAdorned WreckageAdorned WreckageA graveyard of wreckage that was already here before any Speranzans arrived.Loot: Industrial, MechanicalHighway CollapseHighway CollapseData VaultData VaultMaintenance BunkerMaintenance BunkerTrapper's GladeTrapper's GladeLoot: NatureAbandoned Housing ProjectAbandoned Housing ProjectThis architectural project stands abandoned, unfinished and untouched.Olive GroveOlive GroveLoot: NatureBroken EarthBroken EarthRuined HomesteadRuined HomesteadLoot: Old World, ResidentialAncient FortAncient FortRuins of a fort from before the Collapse.Medium-threat area · Loot: Old World, TechnologicalGate Control RoomGate Control Room
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboards can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

Players report finding between 1-3 Fried Motherboards per run at Pilgrim’s Peak. The area contains multiple rooms with breachable technological cabinets. Work through each room systematically, looting everything you find. Beyond Fried Motherboards, you will also encounter batteries, Processors, and other valuable Technological items.

The Spaceport

The Spaceport holds 25% of all Fried Motherboard spawns, making it the second-best map overall. The Rocket Assembly area and surrounding Technological zones contain numerous Breachable Containers. Look for the tall server cabinets that require breaching and searching.

Map of the Spaceport showing where Fried Motherboards can be foundThe SpaceportThe SpaceportLa ChiesaLa ChiesaEast PlainsEast PlainsAlberi HillsAlberi HillsFuel StorageFuel StorageService BuildingsService BuildingsEast Plains WarehousesEast Plains WarehousesStaff ParkingStaff ParkingFuel ProcessingFuel ProcessingCommunications TowerCommunications TowerFuel DepotFuel DepotMaintenance HangarMaintenance HangarSecurity CheckpointSecurity CheckpointJiangsu WarehouseJiangsu WarehouseWater TowersWater TowersElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationFuel LinesFuel LinesRocket AssemblyRocket AssemblyA graveyard of rocket parts that never made it to space.Medium-threat area · Loot: Exodus, IndustrialThe TrenchThe TrenchArrival BuildingArrival BuildingThe ransacked reception building for aspiring space travelers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalShipping WarehouseShipping WarehouseLoot: Industrial, MechanicalDeparture BuildingDeparture BuildingThe former Avantale security gate for passengers headed to the Launch Towers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, TechnologicalCar ParkCar ParkFuel ControlFuel ControlLoot: Mechanical, ElectricalContainer StorageContainer StorageHigh-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalEast Container YardEast Container YardWest Container YardWest Container YardLittle HangarLittle HangarEast HangarEast HangarVehicle MaintenanceVehicle MaintenanceThe Spaceport’s many buses and cargo trucks used to come here for a tune-up.Medium-threat area · Loot: Mechanical, IndustrialLaunch TowersLaunch TowersAstraventuro’s premier rocket launch destination.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, SecurityNorth Trench TowerNorth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalSouth Trench TowerSouth Trench TowerMedium-threat area · Loot: TechnologicalWest HangarWest HangarControl Tower A6Control Tower A6Shorter than the Launch Towers, but still a decent view of the grounds.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, Commercial
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboards can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

The Spaceport’s Technological areas tend to be more spread out compared to Dam Battlegrounds, requiring longer travel times between container clusters. However, the higher overall spawn rate compensates for this. Consider The Spaceport when Dam Battlegrounds lobbies feel too contested or when you want variety in your farming runs.

Riven Tides

Riven Tides has a standard share of Fried Motherboard finds. The Technological loot on Riven Tides sits in Port Authority Building. Port Authority Building is a high-threat area, so expect ARC and other players.

Map of Riven Tides showing where Fried Motherboard can be foundSeabedSeabedMulatierra HillMulatierra HillHotel ComplexHotel ComplexHarborHarborWeighing CheckpointWeighing CheckpointWith scales embedded into the road's surface, this must've been about as elegant as a checkpoint gets.Loot: Industrial, MechanicalTransfer DepotTransfer DepotDried RiverbedDried RiverbedLoot: NatureWavebreakerWavebreakerCustoms HouseCustoms HouseSignage indicates that some of the Exodus' valuable goods once passed right through this complex.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ElectricalPoolsidePoolsideHotel Panorama AzzurroHotel Panorama AzzurroA particularly lavish harbor resort, said to have hosted all of the Exodus' most distinguished supporters and financiers.High-threat area · Loot: Commercial, ResidentialAzzurro BeachAzzurro BeachA secluded stretch of once-pristine beachfront.Loot: ResidentialWreckageWreckageAges of violent undercurrents and biting rust have taken a visible toll.Loot: ARCPort Authority BuildingPort Authority BuildingOnce the beating heart of all maritime operations, it allows for dilligent surveillance of the port in every direction.High-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusStacking YardStacking YardJust a glimpse of these sky-scraping containers makes one want to stack things very high.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, ExodusWharfWharfTennis CourtTennis CourtQuayQuayMarano RoadMarano RoadSpecial Handling TunnelSpecial Handling TunnelBeach BarBeach BarRailyardRailyard
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboard can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction point

Pendola Pass

Pendola Pass only arrived with the latest update, so reports are still thin. The game’s loot data fills the gap. The Technological loot on Pendola Pass sits in Cielo Sereno Observatory. Cielo Sereno Observatory is a medium-threat area, so it’s busy but manageable.

Map of Pendola Pass showing where Fried Motherboard can be foundNorthern TracksNorthern TracksFallen EmperorFallen EmperorStuck between snow and debris, this giant walker seems to attract ARC attention from far beyond the Rust Belt.Loot: ARCSouthern PassSouthern PassFreight TerminalFreight TerminalAlmatera VillageAlmatera VillageIsolated yet seemingly close-knit, most of the village of Almatera has been swallowed by an avalanche.Railroad JunctionRailroad JunctionCrossing these train tracks, one may picture hungry astronomers heading out for lunch.Loot: Mechanical, ElectricalCommissary SupermarketCommissary SupermarketWith surprisingly elaborate shelving, this supermarket must've provisioned locals and astronomers alike.Medium-threat area · Loot: Commercial, MedicalRailyardRailyardAn Exodus-era railyard, seemingly designed to handle delicate, uncommonly shaped freight.Medium-threat area · Loot: Industrial, MechanicalOld TownOld TownStrolling across these narrow streets, you can almost picture the days before astronomical and fallen behemoths.Medium-threat area · Loot: Residential, Old WorldLoading PlatformsLoading PlatformsThese platforms allow for the handling of particularly delicate goods.Loot: Industrial, ExodusElectrical SubstationElectrical SubstationA substation built to provide reliable power in the harshest weather conditions.Almatera StationAlmatera StationSaid to have once been a quaint local station, these tracks now seem to support high axle-load traffic.Medium-threat area · Loot: CommercialResearcher LodgingsResearcher LodgingsLoot: ResidentialTruck StopTruck StopA gasoline-stained refuge for the weary traveler.Frozen RiverFrozen RiverA long-frozen river that leaves prospective ice skaters dangerously exposed.Loot: NatureTransit TunnelTransit TunnelA sturdy concrete tunnel that has mostly withstood the test of time, providing shelter and safe passage.Dispatch TowerDispatch TowerWeather StationWeather StationA versatile meteorological instrument, long retired.Cielo Sereno ObservatoryCielo Sereno ObservatoryA marvel of astronomical ingenuity, even to those unable to fathom its one-time readings.Medium-threat area · Loot: Technological, ExodusOld HamletOld HamletStanding tall amongst the snows, this lodge straddles the line between rustic and chique.Loot: Old WorldDeep-Space TelescopeDeep-Space TelescopePerched atop a mountain summit, this marvel of astronomy puts all other antennas to shame.Loot: ExodusPiazza della RupePiazza della RupePorta BenvenutiPorta BenvenutiControlled Receiving FacilityControlled Receiving Facility
Gamer Guides
Red highlights: Where Fried Motherboard can be foundMedium threat areaHigh threat areaExtraction pointStorm Hut (approx., opens in a Flash Freeze)

What Do the Stats Tell Us

Dam Battlegrounds accounts for 38% of all Fried Motherboard finds, making it the dominant farming map. The Spaceport contributes 25% of spawns, while Stella Montis holds 19%. The remaining spawns split between Buried City at 13% and Blue Gate at 6%.

Best Farming Locations

Which maps have most reported Fried Motherboard finds

RATE MAP
Dam Battlegrounds 38%
The Spaceport 25%
Stella Montis 19%
Buried City 13%
Blue Gate 6%

According to community loot data, 75% of all Fried Motherboard spawns come from Breachable Containers, while the remaining 25% comes from standard Containers. This means you should prioritize breaching and searching the tall server cabinets and technological lockers found in Technological zones rather than checking regular containers.

Best Container Types

Which containers have most reported Fried Motherboard finds

RATE CONTAINER
Breachable Container 75%
Container 25%

Where Are Fried Motherboards Found Statistically

We have some community-contributed data to help support our claims:

Also Found Here

Containers hold more than one thing, so here’s what else is worth grabbing on the same run.

The Breachable Containers and bags that hold Fried Motherboard, most often on Stella Montis and the Spaceport, also roll:

  • Damaged Heat Sink (2 needed for Utility Station Level 2)
  • Cooling Fan (sells for 2,000 Raider Coins)
  • Battery (sells for 250 Raider Coins)
  • Sensors (30 needed for Ascending The Mountain phase 4)

What Is A Fried Motherboard

Fried Motherboards are classified as Rare Recyclable items in Arc Raiders. Each Fried Motherboard weighs 3 KG, stacks up to 3, and sells for 2,000 Raider Coins at vendors. The Technological classification means they spawn only in areas marked with the circuit board icon.

Fried Motherboard Description

When recycled at the Raider Den, a Fried Motherboard yields 2 Electrical Components (worth 1,280 coins) and 5 Plastic Parts (worth 300 coins) for a total recycle value of 1,580 coins. This represents a 420 coin loss compared to selling directly. Salvaging topside produces 5 Wires, useful for crafting gun attachments like compensators, muzzle brakes, and silencers.

Why You Need Fried Motherboards

Fried Motherboards serve a critical purpose in Arc Raiders progression, making them worth farming rather than selling immediately.

What needs Fried Motherboard in Arc Raiders: 3 for Utility Station Level 3
What needs Fried Motherboard – 3 for Utility Station Level 3

Utility Station Level 3

The primary use of Fried Motherboards is upgrading your Utility Station from Level 2 to Level 3. You need exactly 3 Fried Motherboards to complete this upgrade. The Utility Station is essential for crafting utility items and expanding your Raider Den capabilities.

Given their Rare status and specific spawn locations, Fried Motherboards should be prioritized for the Utility Station upgrade. Only sell or recycle extras once you have gathered the 3 required for this workbench improvement.

Electrical Components for Crafting

Recycling Fried Motherboards produces 2 Electrical Components each. Electrical Components are essential for refining into Advanced Electrical Components and crafting Mark 2 Augments. If you have completed your Utility Station upgrade and need Electrical Components, recycling spare Fried Motherboards becomes valuable.

Recycle vs Sell

Fried Motherboards sell for 2,000 Raider Coins each. Recycling yields 1,580 coins worth of materials (2 Electrical Components at 640 each, plus 5 Plastic Parts at 60 each). Selling gives you 420 more coins directly, making it the better option for pure profit.

Sell Fried Motherboards once you have completed the Utility Station Level 3 upgrade, unless you specifically need Electrical Components for other crafting. Avoid salvaging Fried Motherboards in the field unless your inventory is completely full and you need the Wires immediately.

Tips For Farming Fried Motherboards

Fried Motherboards stack to 3, and each weighs 3 KG. A full stack weighs 9 KG total, so plan your inventory space accordingly. A dedicated farming run can net 2-4 Fried Motherboards if you hit the right Technological areas and get favorable spawns.

Always use your Safe Pocket for Fried Motherboards. Equip any Augment in a custom Build rather than running free loadouts to ensure you have Safe Pocket access. This protects your valuable finds even if you die during extraction. The 3 KG weight fits comfortably in most Safe Pocket configurations.

Focus exclusively on Breachable Containers when farming Fried Motherboards. The tall server cabinets and technological lockers that require breaching account for 75% of all spawns. Regular containers have much lower drop rates and waste valuable farming time.

Run multiple short raids rather than one long expedition. Hit the Water Treatment Control Hut on Dam Battlegrounds, grab your Fried Motherboards, and extract quickly. The spawns refresh each raid, making quick runs more efficient than full map exploration.

Pro Tip

For zero-risk farming, run Stella Montis with an empty loadout. Use your Safe Pocket for Fried Motherboards. If killed, you lose nothing. Good reputation means friendlier lobbies with cooperative players.

Expect 2-3 runs to gather the 3 Fried Motherboards needed for Utility Station Level 3. With consistent farming at the Water Treatment Control Hut or Assembly Workshop, you should complete the upgrade requirement within an hour of focused play.

Frequently Asked Questions

I wrote this guide after conducting my own tests and finding many fried motherboards from various locations, which I have listed. This guide is intended to help manage the upgrading of Utility Stations to the maximum level.

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Gamerguidess
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Thomas has been writing game guides for over a year, covering whatever he's currently sunk into. He doesn't write about anything he hasn't actually played, which usually isn't a problem since he plays too much of everything anyway. Rocket League ate enough of his life to get him to Grand Champion, and he's got several max-level, fully geared characters sitting in World of Warcraft from various binges over the years. Recent obsessions include ARC Raiders, Battlefield, For Honor, and Rainbow Six Siege, with plenty of others in rotation. He's also worked behind the scenes for a well-known gaming creator on video production and editorial pieces, so the guides here are shaped as much by that side of the industry as by the hours logged in-game. Every tip, build, and location in his guides comes from his own playthroughs. If he hasn't tested it, it doesn't get published.
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