Inspiron 1420: Replacing the faulty Nvidia GPU

Hello guys,

So the GPU (Nvidia 8400m GS) for my Vostro 1400 died few days ago and I am currently trying to replace the infamous Nvidia graphics motherboard with an Intel graphics motherboard since I believe the two motherboards are identical except for the GPU fan layout.

I also heard that Inspiron 1420 and Vostro 1400 are the same system so I am wondering if any Inspiron 1420 users have successfully replaced their faulty Nvidia graphics motherboard with an Intel one.

Any comment is much appreciated.

Thank you!

 

My ordered 1420 motherboard will arrive Monday, will let you know the result.

 

FYI, I have successfully replaced my failed nVidia 8400M GS motherboard with an Intel GM965 with X3100, the heatsink is a bit different and can only fixed on 2 screws. It can use some sticky insulator materials (cut out from the old one) to prevent some extra parts from the nVidia heatsink touching the new board - it is a very tiny screw which is unable to remove from the old heatsink. The replacement motherboard is actually a factory refurbished part and is came with Vosto BIOS, I need to re-enter the Service Tag upon first power up and my laptop is now up and running with an Inspiron 1420 case outside and a Vostro 1400 inside.

 

So my 1420 video card just crapped out too. 8400m GS 128

Does anyone know if the replacement 8400m GS 256 will fit in the 1420? I really want to just find a replacement instead of getting a whole new laptop.

YY636 GM714 Dell Part #DY445

 

The GPU is soldered to the motherboard. You will need to buy a new motherboard just to replace the GPU. There's pretty much no way around that. You can, of course, buy a board with the Intel GPU in order to minimize any chances of future GPU failures.

EDIT: Was that what you were asking? Or were you asking about two different types of motherboard?

 

No that is pretty much what I was asking. I thought the Nvidia 8400m was a separate part unlinke the intel graphics card.

 

Sluk, I am interested in doing what you did. Is there any advice you can give me or tips? Where did you buy the intel mobo and how much was it?

 

My motherboard was bought from mainland China, costs around US$150 including shipping...

 

Well I have the vostro 1400, are the internals completely the same? ALso did you think it was worth the switch? any problems at all?

 

Yes, they are all the same except the heatsink issue that I have mentioned. Sure it worth the switch I have no problem with it so far.

 

Did you have the link to where you bought the motherboard? Also any trouble with the fan assembly since its different? I feel as if I have so many questions for you sluk, you just might be my lifesaver. Thanks!

 

No fan for Intel integrated graphic, no graphic chip at all in the original Nvidia location.

Regarding the link of the store may I ask where is your location because I think they don't ship overseas and the site is in Chinese, I am a bit lucky because I am in Hong Kong which belong to part of China...

 

I am in the United States. What do you mean no fan for intel integrated graphic or no graphic at al in the orignal nvidia location?

 

I ordered the motherboard with Intel integrated graphic option so there is no Nvidia chip on it but it can be used with the 1420 case. Only fan with this motherboard is the cpu fan.

 

You guys realize there is going to be a huge settlement soon with the famous 8xx nvidia chips. And yes, 1420 model is on top of the list! The NVIDIA GPU Litigation - Affected Models

Personally, I would hold off fixing anything right now since nvidia will start having to pay for their sins and for all the denial of a problem at all back in 2007.

From the litigation page.. an excerpt from what the settlement will provide:

9. What does the settlement provide?

NVIDIA has agreed to provide a replacement of the NVIDIA GPU or MCP to Class Members who purchased certain versions of some Dell, Inc. or Apple Inc. notebook computers that contain an NVIDIA chip and who send in a valid Claim Form and appropriate supporting documentation. NVIDIA has also agreed to provide a replacement HP notebook computer to Class Members who bought certain versions of some HP notebook computers that contain an NVIDIA chip and who send in a valid Claim Form, appropriate supporting documentation, and (if the Claim Form is approved) their eligible malfunctioning HP notebook computer.