s96j loose power connector

Power connector plug on my s96j seems to getting flaky. I have to jiggle the plug or hold it funny to get power. Is this something I can fix myself? I originally got this laptop as a barebones and assembled it myself, so I am somewhat familiar with disassembly.

 

If the power connector is a discrete unit (separate from the motherboard), it's easy. Otherwise you'll need a new motherboard which will set you back a couple of hundred dollars.

If you have an assembly/disassembly manual for the machine maybe you can take a look.

For parts check the ASUS eStore but I've seen they don't have much for the S96J. Perhaps a compatible part from a similar model.

 

Yeah I've got the manual. But it's not obvious how far I have to disassemble the unit to get access to the connector. If it's a mobo problem, it may be simpler to just buy a new barebones and transfer the memory, HD, mobo, optical and CPU.

 

these are "fixable" with proper experience. We do it all the time. the obvious tools are a solder kit and possibly a new jack. unfortunately i cant give any more advice then that. We do it all the time on various models. replacment of the motherboard is not required usually despite what others may tell you

 

Anyone recommend a place in/around Montreal that can fix it?

 

The best way is to send your laptop to an Asus repair center and have them fix it. Asus customer service in Canada is phenomenal and you'll most likely have your notebook back within a week

 

Be aware though if it's out of warranty you will have to pay extra for shipping & handling. + There is a possibility with the ASUS shop that they will just throw away the motherboard and charge you for a new one, rather than bothering with soldering... But perhaps it's a better idea to try to get them fix it, rather than some shop around Montreal.

(BTW sorry for not suggesting the soldering possibility. It's not something I'd venture myself to do, that's why it didn't cross my mind. Even if somebody else does it, I'm still not sure I'd trust that motherboard afterwards... But I guess it's preferable to buying a new one or an entire barebone for several hundred dollars...)

 

Well I tried to open it up. I can see where the connector inserts to the motherboard and it looks ok. Getting to the actual connector will require disassembling the screen, and the whole topcase and bottomcase which is more than I'm prepared to do.

So I guess the option is shipping back to ASUS (out of warranty) vs. finding a new barebone. Anyone know which is cheaper?

 

That will depend on what new parts they will need. As I said there is a possibility they will just toss the old motherboard away.

I'm not sure how it works in Canada but here in Europe, you can send an OOWarranty notebook to them for examination, pay a fixed shipping & handling fee of 75EUR, and then they give an estimative cost of the repair. If you agree, you pay the rest and they repair it. If you don't , but you paid the 75EUR, they just send it back. If you don't even pay the 75EUR, they keep the notebook to cover for the costs, as well.

If they will require a new motherboard rather than do the soldering, it's entirely possible that you'll end up paying a similar amount to what a "new" (well, old) S96J barebone would cost...

But first a question: is the connector actually soldered on the motherboard? Isn;'t it discrete like I was suggesting earlier? For instance on my V6 it's discrete, on a separate board, which is quite cheap to buy on the ASUS eStore.