ARRRGGHH HELP Z96Js dead

Here it is in a nutshell.

I started having BSD's about a month ago, stop code 7, something with winlogon service. Upgraded to XP SP3 and really started having issues. Won't boot, driver issues, random reboots for no reason, won't come back up. Read on line some of this was SP3.

Today I come home all set to just wipe the HD and reload the OS and now it won't even come up. Press power button and CD/DVD drive clunks twice like it is looking for a disc, HD light is on solid, but I can not hear it and the display never even lights, no BIOS display or anything. Doesn't even look like the backlight is coming on.

Other than going to a single 2 gig SODIMM, it is the same as when I got it from Cyber Power Systems.

I have a bad feeling it is mobo issue or someother pain in the xxx.

Any ideas from ya'll??????

Jeff

 

Try EBE's suggestions in his discussion on what to do if the notebook won't POST.

 

Thanks for the reply. I tried them for a dead one and it is still the same. Probably mobo or CPU.

Jeff

 

Yeah, probably... Are you under warranty? Then RMA.
If not, then it may be time for a new computer...

 

That's the crapper. I bought it 1 year and 3 months ago.......

Jeff

 

Just to update on this;

This morning I call CryberPower Pc, where I bought this and they said their warranty covers the first year and anything beyond that comes from the manufacterer. SO Now I am going to call ASUS and see what they can do for me.

More to come late.....

Jeff

 

You should be covered by the 2yr standard warranty...
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=122632#warranty

 

Called ASUS and was told to try the processor and memory before getting an RMA to send it in for repair.

Will try that tonight.

Does anyone know if I can sub in a T5600 Core Duo for the T7200 that is there? That is the only processor I have easy access to.

Thanks,

Jeff

Edited, found out this Z96 series is one of their barebones systems that only come with a 1 year warranty!

 

the t5600 works in the same socket as the t7200. hope things work out.

also, did you by any chance use a credit card to buy your computer? if so, some cards double warranty up to an additional year so i would go check to see if you card has a clause about that.

 

Oh, yeah, Z96 is a barebones... sorry didn't realize that, it's been a long while since barebones were being sold...

Try ejl's suggestion about the credit card. Also try the other CPU, if you have it. However, more often than not it's the motherboard that gives up... that's why if you don't have the CPU, it's perhaps better not to buy it (they tend to be pretty expensive, I believe)

 

I'll look into the credit card thing. I don't remember reading anything about that when I bought it.

I do have the T5600 and did read on Intel's sight it will work. It is the same but with only a 2mb L2 cache and 1.6mhz click instead of 2.0.

Actually I'm hoping it is the memory! That would be the cheapest way to go.

 

If the failure was preceded by BSODs rather than lockups, then it could be RAM as well...

 

Well this not the update I wanted to post but.....

Swapped in known good RAM - no change

Swapped in known good processor with known good ram still in - no change

I tore the entire machine apart so I could disconnect the bluetooth adapter and the hardware security thing mine has. Pulled everything but the processor and ram and now the power light comes on as usual and the HD light flashes quickly. That's all folks.

I can hold the power button down and the power light goes off so I am pretty sure it is not a power supply related item but it still is mobo issue. Guess I will be calling ASUS Monday to get a RMA.

Anyone done this? What do they charge? What is their turn around time??

Thanks,

Jeff

 

I think a motherboard replacement is likely a couple hundred $. Asus NA support in Fremont typically has 1-2 day turnaround if parts are in stock.

 

You will be charged some tens of dollars for the repair work, as well.

 

SO if they come back to me and say it is a rediculas price to fix. What new model whould you suggest that would be similar, but this time I want to go with a Nvidia video card....

I read some things on the forum about the M series having possible bad video chips from Nvidia, I think it was the 8600 ones....

I do video editing so I need storage space and good FSB and processor speed......

Jeff

 

Here are some current/upcoming good models from ASUS, in my opinion:

M50:
+ style
++ performance
? reliability (new)

F8:
+ style
+ performance
+ reliability
+ 14"

G50:
-- style (gaming/orange...)
++ performance
? reliability

 

So after trying 3 times yesterday and finally getting a hold of a person. I gave them all my info and they (ASUS) are supposed to sending me an email with the RMA and shipping information.

The young man I talked to I could hardly understand. I made him repeat everything back to me, but I hope it don't get lost out there somewhere.

He told me they would do an estimate and call first, but he thought with a motherboard repair it would run between $100-200 including labor..I can deal with that if that is correct.

More later........

Jeff

 

I remember they are a bit more expensive, actually, you can check on ASUS eStore you may even find one for the Z96Js and get an idea of the price.

Here's one: http://estore.asus.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=4181

200 excluding labor.

Nothing for your particular model though.

 

I'll have to look up the difference between the Jm and Js models. I had seen this before but would rather have ASUS look it over and make sure that is the case. I'm 99% sure, since I have either removed or swapped every other piece. I have no problem taking it apart, but didn't want to send up with a motherboard extra.

Still have not received the email with the RMA and shipping info......will be caming them afterwork today.

Jeff

 

Well after still not getting this email from ASUS, I called them Thursday evening and found out they have been having server issues but now it is all better and I was sent the email.

Interesting, they tell you to remove processor, memory and hard drive, because these are not ASUS parts, but later in next paragraph they tell you they might have to reload the windows OS, so why tell you to remove the hard drive??

So I pulled the processor, memory and WiFi PCI-e card adn the DVD drive and sent it off this morning. Only going one state away....

Hopefully the news will be whay I am expecting.

Jeff

 

Well to add the final page to this story....

I sent off my laptop to ASUS repair in Indiana on 8/1, they got it Tuesday. Thursday when I get home from work I have a FedEx sticker on my door saying they have something that I have to in person sign for.

So I'm thinking that since it came from Indiana it must the my laptop, but they never sent me the email with the quote....so maybe they didn't fix it...

Their on line repair check does NOT work. So Friday after work I head over to the FedEx and get it. Get home open it up and find out they had replaced the mother board and it is working ok!!!! Never received any emails or billing so I am guessing they back dated it a few months to get it in warranty for me.

WAY TO GO ASUS!!

So happy ending! PTL!

Jeff

 

Wow awesome Asus customer service. Congrats on your laptop man.