Precision M6500 Mobile Laptop Repair Question

Hi All-

This is amazing, I have a laptop that was backed over by a car and it still works! I uploaded a youtube video demonstrating its functionality. I sent the laptop in to Dell via the out of warrenty dept. They returned it to me saying it was un-repairable. No other info was offered except thru the tech support which said they wanted to replace everything for the most part. Please check out the video and I am also including a link to the online diagnostics that I ran showing what on my computer is working. Everything checks out except one thing and could be due to me not having that paticular function. Okay, so here are the links:

the diagnostic link:Dell PCDiagnosticsResults| Dell

Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqRCn-HZoBM

My questions are:
1. should I repair it?
2. should I run further tests?
3. should I part it out?
4. if i am going to repair it, can I replace the video card & upgrade to a better lcd screen?

 

based on what I saw in the video, I think your lucky its even powering on

you pretty much need to replace the entire case, Screen, and most likely the motherboard would not survive the transplant into the new case.

I suspect the main board is damaged with the flex in the middle of the case.

so IMO you have a parts machine there now, or a good make wok project if you can locate the various parts cheap enough.

 

Woud there be any other tests I could run on the machine prior to buying parts?

 

the dell tests are pretty much all you need to use.

If you can salvage the motherboard, CPU, GPU you would save the Big $$$ in repairs

The test - USB that failed could be a daughter board which will require a closer inpsection but if its the motherboard then a new MB is required.

So at this point I would open up the laptop and check what been damaged inside

Your definitely going to need a new base, and touchpad assy, LCD screen maybe the LCD bezal as well, hard to tell from the video.

There is a motherboard and base assy listed on Ebay for $ 150.00 - $ 200.00 which is not bad. just make sure you get the proper Part #. as there are several versions.

so you maybe able to get your M6500 up and running for only a few hundred dollars.

The LCD screen can be had for 100 - 200 depending on which screen you had. more if it was a IPS scrren.

basically if your comfortable taking the laptop apart and replacing what ever parts you need, go for it.

 

Dave,

Thanks for your input, it is appreciated. As far as the test that failed, I will look into it deeper, but it does seem that all the usb ports & external monitor are working. The diagnostic said it may be due to not having that feature but with that said, I am totally comfortable in the repair side. Again thanks for taking the time to respond, it is appreciated.

Ratona

 

I am fairly sure you will need to replace the motherboard so the base assembly and mobo combo on ebay is probably the best deal in this case.

i think you can find most of the parts on Ebay or you can also try other online resellers of parts