AUD $412 for repair - your views?

Hi all,

I had upgraded the GPU on my M15x a few months back - from GTX 260m to AMD Radeon 6900m. The laptop used to get very hot and shutdown after about 20-30 minutes of gaming on medium graphics setting. Also, my touchpad had recently stopped working. I opened it to TRY and fix it but I broke the cable (shouldn't have opened the palmrest).

Anyway, I sent it in to Dell AU and they have given me the following quote. It's a total of $411.61 and will take 6-8 weeks. Should I get it fixed? Do any of you know if they have a warranty/guarantee after fixing it? I look forward to your views and suggestions.

Palmrest part number : KGR2D
It cost AUD $ 146.05 (Include GST & Delivery)

Graphic card heatsink part number : F41CJ
It cost AUD $39.19 (Include GST)

CPU heatsink part number : PR2H1
It cost AUD $61.37 (Include GST)

All take about 6-8 weeks to arrive due to no ready stock at the moment.

Engineer onsite installation will cost AUD $165 (Include GST) if you require it.

 

DIY I think is the best option. Check ebay and buy a new trackpad for the M15x. It will come with a new cable. Take out the old palmrest and install the new one.

Now you know how delicate the cable is so you will be more careful. The same applies to the cable attached to the instrument panel. It is the same cable and also delicate. Break it and you can:t power on the laptop. Just take care and you will save ALOT of money!

Also why are they going to replace the heatsinks? The 6900M series of GPU`s run hot in the M15x that is a known fact. With your cooling running optimally and clean the 6990M can get to 85C easily in game. I remember my old 6990M getting to that temp in BF3 at stock clocks at only 1V undervolted!

The newer 7970M and nvidia 680M run much cooler.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I have looked on eBay and have found a few cheaper options for the palm rest. I think I'll do that myself.

Regarding the heatsink, it's almost been 4 years for my laptop. So I thought it might require a new one. I won't need one, right?


Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

 

I don't think so the copper will oxidise over time but damage to the heat pipes usually requires physical mishandling. Mine are also over 4 years old. You might find much cheaper replacements on eBay too!


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

Cheers. Does this look OK to you? NEW Original Dell Alienware M15X Replacement Palm Rest W Touchpad KGR2D Black | eBay

 

Should be fine! It says w/touchpad so it must have it included! You can PM the seller to check it is there with ribbon cable.

 

Thanks for your assistance!

sent from HTC One M7 using Tapatalk

 

Update - I have asked 3 sellers eBay and have been told that the palm rest doesn't come with the long ribbon cable

do you know if that cable easier to get elsewhere?

sent from HTC One M7 using Tapatalk

 

Update - I have asked 3 sellers eBay and have been told that the palm rest doesn't come with the long ribbon cable

do you know if that cable easier to get elsewhere?

sent from HTC One M7 using Tapatalk

 

Plenty of cables for sale. EG; New Dell Alienware M15X Touch Pad Flex Ribbon Cable | eBay

EG ; New Dell Alienware M15X Multimedia Board Flex Ribbon Cable | eBay

Remember the cable for the trackpad and instrument panel are exactly the same. Only the instrument panel requires a longer cable so there is a difference in length.

Also you will find that the ribbon cable used in the same generation M17x R1 and R2 (alienware) will be likely the same. Should be no problem to source one.

I recently broke my instrument panel cable and couldn:t even power on anymore. The new cable worked perfectly.

 

Cheers. I just bought a used palmrest (comes with the long cable and 12 month warranty). I guess I'll put the heatsink on hold for now as you said I won't require it. I will report back once I fit the palmrest.

Thanks again for your help and patience!

 

Update - I can't believe my luck. The eBay seller got back to me saying that the palmrest cracked while packing and they will provide me with a full refund. I will keep looking for another one.