Motherboard repair

[Binaryx]

My laptop motherboard fault, laptop is out of warranty, but very light
used. There is a lot repair services that offer motherboard repair. It
will probably require to replace North Bridge chip. Is it ever possible
to provide M/B quality repair in third-party repair services, chip
soldering without overheating, without damaging other M/B components?
I'm not interested it laptop will work only 3-6 month, then fault again.
I have option to replace M/B in Dell authorized service, but its very
expensive, plus I am not sure that NEW(not refurbished) motherboard
still available for my laptop model. Other option is to buy new
notebook. But my Dell laptop still have better configuration vs some new
economic laptop models.

 

[Ken]

My laptop motherboard fault, laptop is out of warranty, but very light
used. There is a lot repair services that offer motherboard repair. It
will probably require to replace North Bridge chip. Is it ever possible
to provide M/B quality repair in third-party repair services, chip
soldering without overheating, without damaging other M/B components?

Can proper repairs be made by third parties? Yes, but I would be
concerned that the repair not only fixed the problem, but SOLVED IT. In
other words, overheating is often the result of poor design or defective
components. If the component is simply being replaced and there is no
difference from the original, you can reasonably expect a failure again
in the future. If on the other hand a better component is installed or
a heat sink to solve the problem permanently, then it might be worth the
effort.

I'm not interested it laptop will work only 3-6 month, then fault again.
I have option to replace M/B in Dell authorized service, but its very
expensive, plus I am not sure that NEW(not refurbished) motherboard
still available for my laptop model. Other option is to buy new
notebook. But my Dell laptop still have better configuration vs some new
economic laptop models.

I would look carefully at the cost to repair and long range ability to
SOLVE your problem before I pumped serious money into the repair. You
could be throwing money down a hole that could be better spent on a new
computer.

 

[Seth]

My laptop motherboard fault, laptop is out of warranty, but very light
used. There is a lot repair services that offer motherboard repair. It
will probably require to replace North Bridge chip. Is it ever possible
to provide M/B quality repair in third-party repair services, chip
soldering without overheating, without damaging other M/B components?
I'm not interested it laptop will work only 3-6 month, then fault again.
I have option to replace M/B in Dell authorized service, but its very
expensive, plus I am not sure that NEW(not refurbished) motherboard
still available for my laptop model. Other option is to buy new
notebook. But my Dell laptop still have better configuration vs some new
economic laptop models.

The key factor missing here in making a determination is the cost of each
option. A new laptop that is probably better than the broken one can be had
for $350 on up (US prices). As a starting point I would not consider a
repair unless it was under half that.

 

[Binaryx]

The key factor missing here in making a determination is the cost of
each option. A new laptop that is probably better than the broken one
can be had for $350 on up (US prices). As a starting point I would
not consider a repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) - $165
2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service: ~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not
sure do they will put NEW, not refurbished)
3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457 (more advanced)

 

[Seth]

The key factor missing here in making a determination is the cost of
each option. A new laptop that is probably better than the broken one
can be had for $350 on up (US prices). As a starting point I would
not consider a repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) - $165
2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service: ~$219(M/B) + $45 labour
[not
sure do they will put NEW, not refurbished)
3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457 (more advanced)

With those numbers I would replace. 3rd party would not be as reliable as
assembly line soldering of the parts involved. The Dell option is most
likely a refurb (which I have no issue with) but you are looking at $265,
only $100 less than new. The new machine, even though you say it is an
entry level model is probably still better than current machine.

 

[DanS]

The key factor missing here in making a determination is
the cost of each option. A new laptop that is probably
better than the broken one can be had for $350 on up (US
prices). As a starting point I would not consider a
repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) -
$165 2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service:
~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not sure do they will put NEW, not
refurbished) 3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457
(more advanced)

What about replacing the MB yourself.

Dell, is not the only place to get Dell motherboards. Some
new, some are refurbs with guarantee, but a Google search
using your undisclosed laptop model can show yo usome options.

I replaced a MB in a Dell desktop a few years ago for a
friend. The replacement MB from Dell was $300. I found the
actual Dell MB online elswhere for $100.

 

[Wolf K]

The key factor missing here in making a determination is the cost of
each option. A new laptop that is probably better than the broken one
can be had for $350 on up (US prices). As a starting point I would not
consider a repair unless it was under half that.

Agreed. Even if the broken laptop cost only $350 (unlikely) or so,
adding another $150+ to its cost is counterproductive.

HTH
Wolf K.

 

[Binaryx]

My laptop motherboard fault, laptop is out of warranty,
but very light used. There is a lot repair services that
offer motherboard repair. It will probably require to
replace North Bridge chip. Is it ever possible to provide
M/B quality repair in third-party repair services, chip
soldering without overheating, without damaging other
M/B components? I'm not interested it laptop will work
only 3-6 month, then fault again. I have option to
replace M/B in Dell authorized service, but its very
expensive, plus I am not sure that NEW(not refurbished)
motherboard still available for my laptop model. Other
option is to buy new notebook. But my Dell laptop still
have better configuration vs some new economic laptop
models.

The key factor missing here in making a determination is
the cost of each option. A new laptop that is probably
better than the broken one can be had for $350 on up (US
prices). As a starting point I would not consider a
repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) -
$165 2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service:
~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not sure do they will put NEW, not
refurbished) 3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457
(more advanced)

What about replacing the MB yourself.

Dell, is not the only place to get Dell motherboards. Some
new, some are refurbs with guarantee, but a Google search
using your undisclosed laptop model can show yo usome options.

I replaced a MB in a Dell desktop a few years ago for a
friend. The replacement MB from Dell was $300. I found the
actual Dell MB online elswhere for $100.

 

[Wolf K]

its Dell Vostro 1520, can no define M/B model yet, label on m/b show
KML50D, but it's not Dell part number. But I didn't seen new Dell m/b for
Vostro 1520.

Searching reviews shows that a "freshened" Vostro 1520 was introduced in
early 2009, so it's at best 3- year-old model. It's no longer listed on
Dell's website. That means Dell no longer makes it. You will not find a
new mobo. You will either have to accept a refurbished one, or buy a new
machine.

The list price back then was $569. You can buy a much better machine
than the Vostro 1520 for about $350-450 US/CAD. You don't say where you
are located, but you should be able to find a replacement for the Vostro
for about the same price differential. I would look for a one-year-old
model; you can often buy these for 30-60% off list price. If you add an
extended warranty, you'll still pay less than original list price.

Do you have a backup for your data? If not, you may have to take the
machine to a repair shop, and have them copy data off the HDD in the old
machine.This should not be too costly, but only you can decide whether
it's worth the price. If you haven't already done so, I _strongly_ urge
you to buy an external drive for data backups. It is IMO foolhardy to
rely on a single device for storing data.

FWIW, some years ago when I was looking for a laptop, I asked a lot of
people about their laptops. Dell customers consistently praised Dell's
customer service. I interpreted that to mean that they needed it. A lot.

HTH
Wolf K.

 

[Alex Clayton]

The key factor missing here in making a determination is the cost of
each option. A new laptop that is probably better than the broken one
can be had for $350 on up (US prices). As a starting point I would
not consider a repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) - $165
2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service: ~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not
sure do they will put NEW, not refurbished)
3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457 (more advanced)

If it was me, I would just buy a new one given the prices you list there.

 

[Nobody>(re-revisited)]

2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service: ~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not
sure do they will put NEW, not refurbished)

Don't be so afraid of refurbished hardware. I can't speak for Dell, but
most reputable hardware vendors do an excellent job on refurbishing to
the point that "refurbs" are better than new (excluding cosmetics).

The military has been treating refurbs and new gear as pretty much the
same for at least a century.

Caveat tho....
This is changing with the new manufacturing (low costs)methods compared
to older technology.

 

[Binaryx]

Agreed. Even if the broken laptop cost only $350 (unlikely) or so,
adding another $150+ to its cost is counterproductive.

HTH
Wolf K.

--------------


I bought mine in the end of 2009 and it cost me $664.00
It's Core 2 Duo CPU, T6670/2.2Ghz, RAM 3Gb, dedicated Video card, and come
with preinstalled Windows 7 Home.
Laptops is more expensive in my area than in US.
At the moment, I don't want to spend more than $400-420 for new laptop.
But I can no get good configuration for this money, for example, a few
options:
For $365 I can buy new HP COMPAQ PRESARIO CQ57-372SR [QH799EA#ACB], CPU
Intel Celeron B800, 1.5GHz, RAM 2Gb, 320Gb HDD, with DOS(!) only.
For $420-430 ASUS X54C-SX008D, Intel Celeron B800 1.5 GHz,RAM 2Gb, HDD
320Gb only, Video: Integrated, DOS(!)
For $457 HP Compaq Presario CQ57-381ER, CPU AMD Brazos E450, RAM 4GB, HDD
500GB, DOS(!).

All very poor, compare with mine Dell.
I didn had too much data stored on HDD, but luckily data it retrievable,
via pulling out hdd and using external 2.5” HDD enclosure, has been tested
yesterday and confirmed HDD working.
However, cheapest way would be repairing m/b in third-party service for
$165,they give 3 month warranty for M/b and 2 years for chip itself. Again,
not sure how reliable is repair in non-manufacturer conditions, though they
claim they use special professional soldering station equipment, etc.

 

[Wolf K]

On 18/01/2012 4:42 PM, Binaryx wrote:
[snip system comparisons, etc]

I didn had too much data stored on HDD, but luckily data it retrievable,
via pulling out hdd and using external 2.5” HDD enclosure, has been tested
yesterday and confirmed HDD working.
However, cheapest way would be repairing m/b in third-party service for
$165,they give 3 month warranty for M/b and 2 years for chip itself. Again,
not sure how reliable is repair in non-manufacturer conditions, though they
claim they use special professional soldering station equipment, etc.

Well, knowing more about your situation, then 3rd party repair looks
like the way to go. It's too bad your machine isn't serviced by Dell
anymore.

Good luck,
Wolf K.

 

[Paul]

My laptop motherboard fault, laptop is out of warranty,
but very light used. There is a lot repair services that
offer motherboard repair. It will probably require to
replace North Bridge chip. Is it ever possible to provide
M/B quality repair in third-party repair services, chip
soldering without overheating, without damaging other
M/B components? I'm not interested it laptop will work
only 3-6 month, then fault again. I have option to
replace M/B in Dell authorized service, but its very
expensive, plus I am not sure that NEW(not refurbished)
motherboard still available for my laptop model. Other
option is to buy new notebook. But my Dell laptop still
have better configuration vs some new economic laptop
models.
The key factor missing here in making a determination is
the cost of each option. A new laptop that is probably
better than the broken one can be had for $350 on up (US
prices). As a starting point I would not consider a
repair unless it was under half that.

----------
the cost of each option in my area would be:

1. The repair in third-party service(component +labour) -
$165 2. M/B replacement in authorized Dell service:
~$219(M/B) + $45 labour [not sure do they will put NEW, not
refurbished) 3. New 15.6" laptop from $366(entry) - $457
(more advanced)

What about replacing the MB yourself.

Dell, is not the only place to get Dell motherboards. Some
new, some are refurbs with guarantee, but a Google search
using your undisclosed laptop model can show yo usome options.

I replaced a MB in a Dell desktop a few years ago for a
friend. The replacement MB from Dell was $300. I found the
actual Dell MB online elswhere for $100.

--------

its Dell Vostro 1520, can no define M/B model yet, label on m/b show
KML50D, but it's not Dell part number. But I didn't seen new Dell m/b for
Vostro 1520.

In the Power Button Light Codes at the bottom of this page,
what is your laptop showing right now ? With main battery
inserted or with main battery removed and running on the adapter ?

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1520/en/SM/diags.htm

"The power LED located in the power button on the front of the computer
illuminates and blinks or remains solid to indicate five different states:

* No light - System is in the off state
(S5, or mechanical (AC power not applied) OFF).
* Solid Amber - System fault, but power supply is good
- normal operating state (S0).
* Blinking Amber - System fault error condition including Power Supply
(only +5VSB working), Vreg failure, missing or bad CPU.
* Blinking Green - System is in power saving states S1, S3 or S4.
(Blink rate is 1Hz). No fault/error condition.
* Solid Green - System is fully functional and is in S0 (ON) state."

Paul




Paul