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    Alienware M18x R2 missing Audio IC

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by Johndill, Aug 11, 2019.

  1. Johndill

    Johndill Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I bought an unknown condition M18x R2 off ebay to fix up and the board seems to work fine (boots to bios).

    After removing the board to inspect it I found that the audio IC is missing, I'm assuming it was suspected faulty and removed but not replaced. Picture attached.

    The schematics show the chip to be "malcolm-ex_qfn56_7x7~d" and the only place I've been able to find this chip online is in the schematics for the M14x R2.

    If someone has a broken M18x R2 board around would they be able to send me a close up picture of the audio IC so I can see the markings on the chip?

    Does this Malcolm chip have the same issues as the M17x R4 as the schematics for the M17x R4 lists a different chip.

    Thanks
     

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    Johndill, Aug 11, 2019
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  2. nforce4max

    nforce4max Notebook Consultant

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    However removed it didn't do a great job as some of the pads look shorted if it didn't desolder itself off.
     
    nforce4max, Aug 11, 2019
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  3. Johndill

    Johndill Notebook Consultant

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    Yea, there are some solder blobs that look to be crossing and the rest are flux blobs.

    There's a little cap to the left that JUST managed to hold on and stay on thankfully. :-D
     

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    Johndill, Aug 11, 2019
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  4. nforce4max

    nforce4max Notebook Consultant

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    I don't know what other options you have but if you are ok with using external speakers or a headset look into something like an usb or maybe an exprescard sound card (if they exist) and get by with that.
     
    nforce4max, Aug 11, 2019
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  5. Johndill

    Johndill Notebook Consultant

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    Actually that reminds me, my brother has a USB audio adapter I can use for continued testing purposes. :)

    I'm hoping to find another IC to buy or a broken M18x R2, m17x R4 or M14x R2 (as they both electrically use the same audio IC) board someone is happy to part with to take the audio IC from.

    Worst case senario if I am unable to source another IC for this model, I have an unused working M14x R2 I can take the IC chip from but I'd rather get another IC than take it off a working board.

    At the moment I'm going to disassemble my M14x R2 so I can read the IC markings and see if I can find another IC online but if someone has a faulty board they'd like to part with cheap let me know. :)

    If someone can send me a close up photo of their M18x R2 Audio IC that would be great! :-D

    After disassembling my M14x R2 I've found it's a Creative ca0132-4an, I've found a few online so it's looking good :)

    *EDIT*
    I have found a Creative ca0132-4an IC and it's in the mail. :)
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2019
    Johndill, Aug 12, 2019
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  6. Johndill

    Johndill Notebook Consultant

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    Update...

    The Creative audio IC has arrived and I've successfully installed it and the audio is now working. :D :D

    20190904_115305_50.jpg
     
    Johndill, Sep 3, 2019
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  7. ll_r1d0_ll

    ll_r1d0_ll Notebook Evangelist

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    nice and neat solder job
     
    ll_r1d0_ll, Sep 6, 2019
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  8. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    Had to be a hot air station being used, no way it can be done this cleanly with your run if the mill soldering iron. Very cleanly done
     
    Raidriar, Sep 8, 2019
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  9. Johndill

    Johndill Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, thank you both. :) I used a hot air station and flux to flow it on as these IC packages have a large ground pad underneath that needs to be soldered flat with the board in order for the pins/pads on the edge to contact. Impossible to do with a soldering iron. :)
     
    Johndill, Sep 8, 2019
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