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    Dell M4800 Motherboard Replacement

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by verfed, Aug 2, 2020.

  1. verfed

    verfed Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi, I bought a Precision M4800 two months ago and after installing an msata ssd it wouldn't turn on. The power button stays lit for maybe 10 seconds and then turns off and nothing happens. I removed the msata ssd and it does the same thing. I've removed the battery and drained the power with the button many times and nothing. From what I read it sounds like the motherboard (finally?) died.

    It has 4 memory slots and an I7-4710MQ and on ebay I see two motherboards:

    LA-9771P
    LA-9772P

    Any idea if it matters which one I get? And/or if this is might even be the problem? Or if someone had this problem and has some suggestions? Or if motherboards are going for $100+ and that might not even be the problem, that I'd be better off just getting a whole new M4800 for not really that much more (and just keep the 1st one for parts)?
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
    verfed, Aug 2, 2020
    #1
  2. senso

    senso Notebook Deity

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    If you can find a full BIOS dump(maybe ask on the M4800 topic for one), try reflashing or BIOS, or using some recovery BIOS image and key combo, before buying a used motherboard.
     
    senso, Aug 2, 2020
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  3. verfed

    verfed Notebook Enthusiast

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    I didn't know there was still an M4800 topic. Can/should this post be moved there?

    What's a full BIOS dump, is that hardware or software?

    In the mean time, I removed the msata ssd, sata ssd, wlan card, dvd drive and ram and when I put the battery in and turn it on, the fans turn on then off, while the hdd activity light stays on and the wi-fi and battery indicator lights blink on and off together for 30 seconds and then all turn off. Any idea what that can mean other than those parts being absent? Could it at least mean that the motherboard is ok?
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
    verfed, Aug 2, 2020
    #3