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    M17x R2 cable fried... I need help NOW.

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by imglidinhere, May 22, 2012.

  1. imglidinhere

    imglidinhere Notebook Deity

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    There's a cable that connects the control panel on the upper portion of the laptop, above the keyboard, to the laptop motherboard. This cable has fried for some reason. It looks like something got stripped off or something. I never tug at these cables. :(

    [​IMG]
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    [​IMG]

    Anyone know where I can get this little cable AND another top strip like this one?

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I've since disconnected the battery and it's sitting over in the corner. :(
     
  2. ForeverZen

    ForeverZen Notebook Deity

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  3. imglidinhere

    imglidinhere Notebook Deity

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    I don't see it. :(

    Is there any other place I might find something like this? I'm gonna be PISSED if I just spent $900 to use a machine for two weeks before it died. :mad:
     
  4. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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  5. ForeverZen

    ForeverZen Notebook Deity

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  6. Greywolf22

    Greywolf22 Notebook Deity

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    I was able to get a replacement on e-bay mine was named the following:
    ALIENWARE M17X HINGE COVER POWER SWITCH BOARD W779M

    I believe W779M is the part you need, so I'd do a search for that.

    As far as the cable is concerned you can probably find it on e-bay as well. You might even try contacting Dell and asking them how much the part costs (I'm sure they can give you a quote for a replacement).

    Good luck to you.

    *EDIT* Looks like you guys beat me to it
     
  7. imglidinhere

    imglidinhere Notebook Deity

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    I saw the control panel portion, but the control panel isn't the big problem. The problem is the ribbon that fried. I could still boot the machine by just holding the connector down in the slot and pushing the power button (Before it fried of course... >.>). So the control panel portion works, but if I'm replacing the ribbon, I might as well get the control panel portion AND a new keyboard as well...
     
  8. ForeverZen

    ForeverZen Notebook Deity

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    You might as well replace the whole thing, its only $20 and ribbons don't just fry themselves when they feel like it.
     
  9. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    Some of those parts are inexpensive buying them directly from Dell/Alienware. That would be the first place I would check. If it is available, you would know if the used parts are a good deal or not because you can compare the cost against the new part.
     
  10. Greywolf22

    Greywolf22 Notebook Deity

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    As always, great advice from Mr. Fox. I would also start with Dell and go from there. I know a number of months ago there was a shortage of that part, and it was taking over a month for them to send it out which is why a number of us (myself included) turned to other sources.

    I imagine this is no longer the issue, and is worth investigating at least as a comparison as Mr. Fox stated.
     
  11. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    I second the advice from Mr Fox. You could probably get the cable from Alienware pretty cheap. If they are...reluctant (as they were with me), then you can check on eBay. Look for the top control panel then ask the seller if they have the ribbon cables they're willing to sell. That's how I found my replacement. It only cost me $20 with tax & shipping. Make sure to get two in case this happens again, that way you have a backup.
     
  12. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    I can help you on this one, imglidinhere, sending you a PM.