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    Laptop - Blank Screen - GPU or something else?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by DieCommie, Mar 7, 2011.

  1. DieCommie

    DieCommie Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello,

    My laptop recently crapped out on me. When I boot it I get a blank screen. No BIOS, no OS - but the back light does still light. I tried the external VGA to a monitor, and got garbled patterns.

    So I presume the GPU is bad and I would need a new motherboard to repair it. I really like my laptop, and would spend the money to repair it. But I wonder if you think it could be something else other than the motherboard?

    Is there any other part other than the motherboard that could be causing this problem?

    Thanks!
     
    DieCommie, Mar 7, 2011
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  2. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

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    Depending on your notebook model, you may have a separate GPU, which wouldn't require an entire motherboard repair/replacement. We'd need to know what model of notebook you have to give better advice, though.
     
    Judicator, Mar 7, 2011
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  3. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    What notebook model is it?

    Have you tried known good memory?
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Mar 7, 2011
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  4. DieCommie

    DieCommie Notebook Enthusiast

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    Its a Lenovo T61 with the Nvidia quadro 140 graphics, which I believe is soldered to the motherboard.

    By observing the HD light, it appears that I can enter my password and start windows.
     
    DieCommie, Mar 7, 2011
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  5. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Hrm well the T61 houses the infamous Nvidia chip. I believe Lenovo extended the warranties until March 2011. Might want to call up Lenovo, they might get it repaired.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Mar 7, 2011
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  6. DieCommie

    DieCommie Notebook Enthusiast

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    Even though its long out of warranty?

    I suppose I may as well give that a shot. But otherwise...

    Since this is a known issue with these models, I am now hesitant to buy a broken one off of ebay for parts. I was planning on getting one with a broken LCD or something.

    From my reading it looks like buying a newer replacement mobo would not have this fault. (something about using better solder?) So now I have to decide on whether to get a new mobo for ~$250 or get a used T400.

    I will probably go for the mobo, but would appreciate any thoughts you may have!
     
    DieCommie, Mar 7, 2011
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  7. miro_gt

    miro_gt Notebook Deity

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    what revision GPU is in there ? A1 or A2 ? You could have seen this while running GPU-Z. Otherwise it's written on the chip itself.

    also, have you ran any thermal management tools ? .. i.e. undervolted CPU, used TPFanControl, etc. Or have you seen what temperatures it used to hit under load ?

    sorry for the loss though, some say baking the board could resolder the GPU but I doubt it
     
    miro_gt, Mar 7, 2011
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  8. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    not sure if this will help
     
    TANWare, Mar 7, 2011
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