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    motherboard failure?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by wmwstress, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. wmwstress

    wmwstress Notebook Enthusiast

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    On my alienware m17x r1, i was testing out some gtx 280m to see if they were working. I checked one set up which didnt work with 2 graphic cards. I then took out the card on the right to check with just one, which worked fine. I wanted to check the left card by itself, but i forgot to take the power cable out and there was a tiny spark. I dont think this should cause a problem, but my laptop will not boot, not even into BIOS and the screen is blank with no response from when i switch it on. Please tell me i havnt destroyed my laptop... :(

    N.B. i did also try with my old ati crad, but no different :( im freaking out
     
    wmwstress, Apr 2, 2012
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  2. krallidor

    krallidor Newbie

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    sparks are not a good thing when it comes to circuit boards. im not an expert but it sounds like u shorted out something
     
    krallidor, Apr 2, 2012
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  3. goodstone

    goodstone Notebook Consultant

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    Sparks from a motherboard. short out the mxm slot (100watts). Sorry mate a few of your components are fried.

    New motherboard required. You can't hot swap video gpu's!

    There might be a remote possiblity that it could be you power supply. Need to get a volt meter to it


    You can get 2nd hand mobo cheap these days. tear down is prettry easy as well.



    R.I.P r1
     
    goodstone, Apr 3, 2012
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  4. wmwstress

    wmwstress Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok, not really to bothered if the motherboard is gone, ill have to get one though if someone can point me in the right direction....
    What im actually worried about is the graphics card.. you think thats gone too? i suppose ill find out when i get my hands on a new mobo...

    in the meantime got to play games on 10 fps on my spare laptop
     
    wmwstress, Apr 3, 2012
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  5. goodstone

    goodstone Notebook Consultant

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    goodstone, Apr 3, 2012
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  6. wmwstress

    wmwstress Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks for the link goodstone,

    unfortunately im in the uk and it would be rather expensive with postage etc. to get one shipped from the usa.
     
    wmwstress, Apr 3, 2012
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  7. goodstone

    goodstone Notebook Consultant

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    Yes i am in London,


    The boards do come on now and again, just need to keep an eye out for one.


    If you are desporado u.s is proberly the way to go.

    Good luck anyways
     
    goodstone, Apr 3, 2012
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