Laptop component-level repair recommendations?

Dai · 22-07-2010, 21:19

Got an Advent laptop with a burned graphics chip. Does anyone have a recommendation for a component-level repairer at a price that makes it worthwhile. Seems a shame to put it in landfill if it can be done at a suitable price.

Kymmy · 22-07-2010, 21:39

Has the chip got side legs or no legs?? If side then most component level repair places can do it (they're hot air soldered to remove and then paste soldered with hot air or extremely fine tip to replace). Sorry to say but the only ones that I know were supporting large companies and not walk-ins.

If the chip has no legs then even a lot of companies can't repair (they're originally flow or friction soldered) and the boards tend to be swapped out back to the manufacturer

Lord Nikon · 23-07-2010, 02:45

I may know someone, BGA replacement isn't hard with the right gear, what make and model of laptop is it?

Dai · 23-07-2010, 08:54

Thank you both. It's an Advent 6301. Not a bad little machine so I'm hoping it can be rescued.

Graham M · 23-07-2010, 11:25

The laptop appears to be about 2 years old? So it may not be cost effective to go down this avenue at all

Kymmy · 23-07-2010, 11:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Nikon

I may know someone, BGA replacement isn't hard with the right gear, what make and model of laptop is it?

Right gear or do you mean Bodge gear

The problem with ball grid array is that you need to be bloody accurate with no main reference points. That means normally a computerized tool to accurately position the device which means full set-up params for each board (something manufacturers don't tend to give out) and even as certified warranty agents for Toshiba, IBM, HP, ACER and a few others we never did it..

It can be done with IR or hot-air but it's very hit and miss, at least with TQFP you have reference points (the legs and tracks themselves)

Lord Nikon · 24-07-2010, 15:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Right gear or do you mean Bodge gear

The problem with ball grid array is that you need to be bloody accurate with no main reference points. That means normally a computerized tool to accurately position the device which means full set-up params for each board (something manufacturers don't tend to give out) and even as certified warranty agents for Toshiba, IBM, HP, ACER and a few others we never did it..

It can be done with IR or hot-air but it's very hit and miss, at least with TQFP you have reference points (the legs and tracks themselves)

Actually I meant 65000 worth of BGA rework station with computerized placement system and x-ray inspection. placement params are easier with micrometric optical alignment prior to BGA placement, it does a video overlay so you can accurately line up the BGA points for non-profiled circuits. Vacuum assisted extraction and placement, it's quite a nice tool but somewhat expensive.

Kymmy · 24-07-2010, 15:31

Sounds like your mate works for FS or similar

Lord Nikon · 24-07-2010, 15:37

Comes in very handy at times.

Thing is the chip may not have failed, it could just require re-flowing, the only ones that have been a real pain are the TC series tablets because the video BGA is on the edge of the board with onboard ram ICs making a thermal reflow more difficult, and a Dell XPS series which has a failed Maxim power management IC in a 24 pin micro BGA package we can't obtain a replacement for easily.

Dai · 24-07-2010, 15:45

We've stripped it down and had a good look. It's a BGA chip with obvious heat damage. I'd guess the furballs are to blame for overheating over a period of time. Fan seems a bit slow too.

I'm thinking I'll suggest to the owner that it's beyond economic repair, particularly since it's an Advent and spares seem hard to source.

Lord Nikon · 24-07-2010, 15:47

what is the IC part number? if it's one we have in stock we can provide a quote on the repair.

Dai · 24-07-2010, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Nikon

what is the IC part number? if it's one we have in stock we can provide a quote on the repair.

Aargh! Just put it all back together again..

I'll get back to you.

Lord Nikon · 24-07-2010, 16:19

I'm showing graphics on that as being Intel GM965 (up to 256MB shared). It's a dual core machine running a T2370. I'll see if the part is in stock.

Dai · 24-07-2010, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Nikon

I'm showing graphics on that as being Intel GM965 (up to 256MB shared). It's a dual core machine running a T2370. I'll see if the part is in stock.

Yes, I believe that's correct. Thanks for the offer. I'll keep the owner on hold pending your check.

Kymmy · 24-07-2010, 16:45

WOW, amazingly ebay actually has the reballing stencils and the IC's themselves.. Dare I say it that Ebay's fast becoming the next Farnells