Dead XPS M1710

I have an old XPS M1710 that died last year and I've been meaning to get it fixed. However I'm not sure what died. I've tested and ruled out the RAM and HDD so I figured it's either the motherboard, CPU or GPU. Is there a quick way to figure out what needs replacing? I haven't touched it in a while so I don't remember the details but I'll update after I've had time to take a look at it again.

Off the top of my head I remember that the computer is unable to POST. I believe there was a beep code...can't remember how many beeps. When talking to Dell tech support they told me to do a diagnostic boot and they said it was the RAM. I've since ruled that out since the RAM modules work just fine in another machine.

Any help will be appreciated!

 

Do you remember if you had a GeForce 7 card? 7800 and 7900 series cards are known to be affected by the Nvidia BGA issue. It IS a separate card for the M1710, but still quite expensive. I believe the M1710 can take X1400 if you want a solution that will last.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure it did have a GeForce 7 series card. The part number is UF814 which I believe is either the 7800 or 7900 Go.

So the most likely cause is failure of the GPU then? I tried googling "nVidia BGA issue" but I didn't really find anything that seemed pertinent. Do you know of any articles where I can read up on this "BGA issue"? I'm interested to know how the card died.

Also, do you happen to know how the X1400 compares to the 7800/7900 cards?

edit: Is this: External link pertinent to the "BGA issue"?

 

Well just google defective Nvidia chip and I'm sure you'll get millions. Basically Nvidia sold millions of GeForce chips all the way from GeForce 6 to 9. They used defective bump material in the BGA package causing it to be prone to thermal heat stress; end result was the solder joints fail and the GPU package would get disconnected from the motherboard.

In your case the GPU modules are removable (Dell proprietary module) but it still follows the same concept. The issue is ALL GPU's were affected, so if you bought another module, it would still fail down the line. The ATI cards are not affected by this (X1300/X1400). The X1400 benches lower than 7900/7800 but honestly if you want to keep the machine alive, it is a small price to pay.

 

Awesome. Thanks for all your help.

The XPS used to be my primary school/work laptop but after fixing it up it will serve mainly as a media center hooked up to the TV. As long as the X1400 can handle playing some HD videos I'm happy. Now I'll have to see if I can get my hands on an X1400 and figure out how to install it.

edit: Would the new X1400 have to be Dell branded?

 

Yes, you need to buy the X1400 that was specifically made for the 9400/E1705. They are generally widely available, but expensive for what you are getting.

 

I had the exact thing happen to my XPS M170 which I believe is the model prior to your model. It's either the graphics card, cpu or motherboard. Mine has the 7800-GTX and used ones run around 300 dollars last time I checked. The motherboard is around 200. I've wanted a way to figure out what it is without buying parts that aren't messed up.

 

After the input from from this thread and reading up on electromigration, high-lead bumps and Eutectic bumps, low Tg Namics 8439-1 underfill glassification and the whole nVidia chip problems I'm convinced that the GPU is a very probable cause. When gaming on the XPS my temps would be in the mid 70's and the laptop would be quite hot to the touch. As such it now comes as no surprise to me that the card died. As a matter of fact, I'm surprised it lasted the four years that it did!

I'm still not 100% sure if it's the GPU but since it seems like the most likely cause, that's where I'll start.

 

I'm having a tough time determining which card will work for the XPS M1710. I suspect that the part number for the x1400 is CG108 but I'm unsure if this is correct. I've also yet to find the part number for the corresponding heatsink. Does anyone know of a part number list for the XPS M1710?

Thanks!

 

You can use GC108. You don't need to change the heatsink.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll rep you again when "I've spread more rep"
I've found a CG108 x1400 for about $117 shipped. Like you said, expensive for what it is. But I think it's worth a try.

A little update: I had a bit of time just now and I disassembled the laptop and reseated the GPU (you never know...maybe it came loose somehow). Also reseated the memory modules. Reassembled then hit the power. Same as before; black screen, no POST, nothing. No beep codes either. I did the diagnostic startup (holding down FN while hitting the power) and I get:

"System Motherboard Error"

followed by

"Video Card Error"

and finally

"No Memory installed"

As I mentioned before, I tested out the memory modules in another machine and they work just fine so I know RAM isn't the problem. What are the chances that both the GPU and Motherboard are fried?

Unless you guys can think of a better course of action, I think I'll get the x1400 and install it and see if it works first. If it still doesn't work, then I'll get a new mobo and install that.

 

Hi there,

What are the symptoms on your M170? I was unlucky enough to have both the faulty LCD panel and the faulty 7800GTX, both just out of warranty. Fixed both easily, luckily it is a great machine to disassemble (especially compared to my current one). Do you get any flashing lights?

If it's your GPU I'd advise just picking up a radeon x300/x600, which will get it working fine, run super cool, and be fine for everything bar gaming (even the 7800gtx is too slow for new games without dropping the resolution alot). I got an X600 (strangely ordered and paid for an x300 but got a better one) for around $50 US, and it has been going fine as a spare laptop for the last couple of years.

Oh, your current heatsink will fit the x300/x600 fine, and has the two heatsinks so is total overkill. With a repaste of CPU/GPU and the X600 the machine runs like a fridge!

 

The x300 and x600 only work on the M17 0. He has the M17 10. I do believe the x300 and x600 may be electrically compatible, but the shape of the PCB is such that it won't physically fit without some modding.

 

Didn't mean to confuse things for aznpos531, he needs the x1400 as you have advised.

Was just giving some info to Riddick20079, as he has the m170 that may have a broken GPU.

Apologies for the confusion.