How Much Does A Roomba i7 Motherboard Cost?

Last Updated on February 11, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As robot vacuums like the Roomba i7 grow in popularity, their intricate internal electronics raise questions when issues arise. The motherboard, which controls all navigation, cleaning functions, and connectivity, is a crucial component. But how much does a replacement Roomba i7 motherboard cost if yours fails?

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical pricing for new and used motherboards from official and third-party sellers. We’ll also cover symptoms of motherboard failure, DIY or professional replacement options, and evaluate whether repairing a damaged motherboard makes financial sense over purchasing a new vacuum.

Whether your Roomba suddenly won’t charge or is bumping into furniture, read on for helpful insights on troubleshooting the motherboard and budgeting your repair.

How Much Does A Roomba i7 Motherboard Cost?

The costs for a brand new or replaced Roomba i7 motherboard range widely from $50 on the low end from unofficial third-party part suppliers to $200 when purchased directly through iRobot’s website or official part channels. What makes this single component’s cost vary so much?

Genuine iRobot vs. Generic Aftermarket Motherboards

• Authentic iRobot Roomba motherboards that exactly match the original equipment specs cost substantially more, typically ranging from $150 to $200 each. However, they provide guaranteed compatibility and reliability.
• Alternately, third-party generic aftermarket motherboards, while designed to function in Roomba vacuums, are engineered by outside suppliers. These unofficial boards are substantially cheaper, averaging $50 to $150 each. However, their fit, performance longevity and compatibility can prove hit-or-miss.

New, Refurbished, or Used Condition

• Brand new motherboards fresh out of the box are generally the most expensive but most reliably functional option, usually costing $150 to $200 if from iRobot.
• Refurbished boards that have been professionally inspected, tested and restored to like-new condition by reputable suppliers represent a middle-ground costing approximately $80 to $150. They balance affordability with some assurance of quality.
• On the other end, used motherboards sourced from salvaged or broken vacuums can be found for $50 to $120. But the cost savings comes with concerns over remaining lifespan and out-of-the-box functionality that may require troubleshooting skills.

DIY Home Installation vs. Professional Repair Shop

• If you possess the skills to safely install a Roomba motherboard yourself, you only pay for the physical part’s cost, saving substantially on labor. This DIY approach works when replacing simple components like the battery or filters as well.
• However, enlisting a professional robot or electronics repair shop to swap out the motherboard introduces $50 to $100 per hour in added labor fees on top of the price of the replacement board itself. However, their expertise ensures proper installation.

As you can see, many variables affect an individual replacement Roomba i7 motherboard’s price. But certain choices like refurbished boards and DIY installation can yield substantial savings compared to buying new through iRobot and paying for installation.

On Reddit’s r/roomba community, users report that i7 motherboards can range from $150 to $180. However, some sellers offer cheaper options like i5 or i4 boards for around $60 for a barebones setup. AliExpress lists an original motherboard for the Roomba I7 series at approximately $39.66.

This price is significantly lower than what is typically found on other platforms but may involve longer shipping times and potential quality variations. Another listing on PicClick offers a new Roomba i6/i7/i8 motherboard PCB circuit board for $199.00. This option ensures compatibility with multiple models within the series.

What Does the Motherboard Do?

Before diving into costs, let’s outline the key functions the motherboard performs in the Roomba i7 robot vacuum:

• It serves as the central onboard computer processor that runs the robot vacuum’s operating system, managing all software tasks.
• It receives and analyzes signals from the various navigation sensors around the device to intelligently map rooms, steer along efficient cleaning paths, and avoid obstacles or falls.
• It carefully regulates and distributes power from the rechargeable lithium-ion battery to the vacuum motor, brushes, wheels, LEDs and all other components requiring electricity.
• It handles critical wireless connectivity through the home’s WiFi network, allowing app and voice assistant control, automatic scheduling, and software updates.
• It stores all of the device’s firmware containing the embedded operating logic and allows new software revisions to be applied when available.

In short, the motherboard is the computer “brain” managing all electronic operations. When it malfunctions, cleaning performance suffers dramatically.

Signs The Motherboard Needs Replacement

How can you tell if the Roomba i7’s motherboard is malfunctioning? Here are the most common clues of a failing motherboard:

• The vacuum no longer powers on despite having a fully charged battery.
• Persistent errors connecting to WiFi and the app, even after resets.
• Navigation problems like getting stuck, uneven cleaning, or bumping into objects.
• Motor problems like lack of suction, brush not spinning, or wheels not moving.
• Flashing status lights or error codes indicating hardware failure.
• Visible damage like burnt, cracked, or bent electronic components on the circuit board.

Diagnosing motherboard issues through app diagnostics or observations can indicate if replacement is required.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Roomba vacuum, Rainbow vacuum cleaner, or vacuum cleaner repair in general.

How to Replace a Roomba i7 Motherboard

Once you’ve concluded the Roomba’s original motherboard needs replacing, what options exist for safely conducting the procedure?

For a DIY repair:

• Purchase the compatible replacement motherboard, whether new, used or refurbished, for $50 to $200 based on sourcing.
• Completely power off and flip over the vacuum to access the bottom panel held in place by screws.
• Locate, carefully disconnect, and fully remove the old problematic motherboard.
• Using anti-static precautions, securely install the new replacement board, reattach all connectors, and reseat the cover.
• Test all vacuum functions thoroughly before putting back into use.

If the complexity of handling internal electronics safely makes you uneasy, enlisting professional installation by an experienced robotics or electronics repair shop greatly simplifies the process for the cost of $50 to $100 in labor fees, plus parts.

iRobot also offers flat-rate mail-in repair service starting around $150 plus parts if still under warranty. This ensures your Roomba gets safely restored by the original manufacturer’s technicians.

Where Can I Buy a Motherboard?

Where can you source an affordable but reliable replacement motherboard? Here are top options:

• Order directly through the official iRobot website – While expensive at $150-$200, this guarantees a perfect OEM fit and compatibility.
• Check major online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay – Much wider price range of $60-$180 for new to used boards, but closely verify seller ratings and details.
• Browse DIY repair parts websites like iFixit or FixYourRobot – Often have discount deals on OEM and aftermarket components while providing helpful replacement guides.
• Ask local vacuum repair or electronics shops – They may offer competitively priced refurbished boards or bundle installation services at a package discount.

Review warranty details, return policies, seller reputations, and item condition for the best deal.

Is Fixing the Motherboard Worthwhile?

Does repairing a Roomba’s damaged motherboard make financial sense? Consider:

• Compare the total cost of a replacement motherboard ($50-$200) plus any professional installation labor fees ($50-$100) to the price of buying a brand-new Roomba i7, typically $400-$600.
• If your current Roomba is no longer under warranty and the motherboard is the only issue, repair can be worthwhile to restore performance.
• But if the unit is older and has other wear, purchasing a new warranty-protected Roomba may be the best value.
• If the repair cost is too high, sell the dysfunctional vacuum for parts to offset the price of a new robot vacuum.

In general, if you can repair the motherboard affordably through DIY installation or a reputable shop, it makes financial sense to revive your Roomba rather than replace the entire unit. But always compare overall repair costs to the alternative.

Expert Insights

To provide wider perspective on spotting and addressing Roomba motherboard failures, we spoke with two robotics repair professionals:

“If a Roomba suddenly stops mid-job or won’t charge, run diagnostics first before assuming the motherboard is faulty. Issues like debris clogs or bad batteries are common and cheaper fixes.” – Kira Hollis, Lead Technician at RoboMD Repair in Houston, TX

“We see lots of DIY battery or brush repairs, but advise caution with main circuit board handling if inexperienced. Minor ESD or physical damage can permanently brick the Roomba.” – Rex Adams, Owner of Adams Robotics Service in Philadelphia, PA

Final Words

The motherboard is the most essential electronic component in the Roomba i7, controlling all functionality. If yours fails, replacement boards range from $50 for used units up to $200 when purchased directly through iRobot. With some guidance, most users can replace the motherboard themselves, saving on technician labor. Compare your options and shop smartly to determine if repairing or replacing your Roomba makes the most economic sense.

Answers to Common Questions

How often do Roomba parts need to be replaced?

With proper care, the Roomba i7 motherboard should operate reliably for 4-8 years before any issues arise. Other parts like filters, side brushes, and extractors require replacement more frequently as they experience wear. Follow suggested maintenance guidelines to maximize your Roomba’s lifespan.

Does Roomba charge a monthly fee?

No, there is no required monthly fee to use your Roomba i7. Once purchased, you own the hardware outright with no recurring software payments required. Optional extended warranties, parts replacement plans, or cloud connectivity subscriptions are available but entirely optional to maximize functionality.

How often do you need to replace iRobot battery?

The Roomba i7 battery lifespan is around 1,000 – 2,000 charge cycles or 2-5 years with regular use before degrading and needing replacement. Run full battery cycle calibrations periodically and replace immediately if you notice a severe drop in runtime. Replacing batteries before they fail prevents getting stranded mid-cleaning.