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    VAIO VGN-AR870 Video Controller Failure

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by ricktendo64, Aug 2, 2011.

  1. ricktendo64

    ricktendo64 Notebook Consultant

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    So my VAIO VGN-AR870 has no video on start up, i get 1 long + 2 short beeps...I can hear the sound when it gets to the login screen but I got no video.

    Am I screwed, what can I do?

    BTW I am comfortable opening it up (already did) just need some help on what I could try

    I notice the video card and the mobo are one, dont think it can be replaced

    I ask again does this mean I am screwed?
     
    ricktendo64, Aug 2, 2011
    #1
  2. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    ComputerCowboy, Aug 2, 2011
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  3. ricktendo64

    ricktendo64 Notebook Consultant

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    YES!!! the exact thing has happened 2 me, my model is not covered :(
     
    ricktendo64, Aug 2, 2011
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  4. ricktendo64

    ricktendo64 Notebook Consultant

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    Do you guys think reflowing the GPU on the mobo will work to fix this
     
    ricktendo64, Aug 5, 2011
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  5. ComputerCowboy

    ComputerCowboy Sony Fanboy

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    what do you mean reflowing?
    do you mean replacing?
     
    ComputerCowboy, Aug 5, 2011
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  6. anytimer

    anytimer Notebook Virtuoso

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    I think he means heating the part in order to melt the solder so that when it cools, any dry solder joints are repaired.

    This is a good technique for leaded parts (which have pins coming out of the package and going into the board), but is very iffy for BGA (ball grid array) types (which have contact points under the device package). Ask the guy offering to try this approach about the probability of a successful outcome, and what options remain open to you if you try this and fail.
     
    anytimer, Aug 6, 2011
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  7. ricktendo64

    ricktendo64 Notebook Consultant

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    Actually Im thinking of trying to do it myself, I seen vids w/ people using the reflow technique to fix everything from (rrod) xbox's to faulty gfx cards (I have also seen vids where they screw it up)
     
    ricktendo64, Aug 6, 2011
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  8. platypirfun

    platypirfun Newbie

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    Hi, I was wondering if you had any luck permanently fixing your AR-870.

    I had the same problem crop up with mine last week, and I've been fixing it using the "towel method." It's a pretty quick fix, and it has thus far been effective, but it isn't longlasting. I've had to fix it 4 times in the past week, which isn't that big of a deal if it continues to work, but I worry that it's going to stop fixing the problem eventually.

    Anyway, thanks for the thread. Though I didn't try reflowing myself, this pointed me in the right direction.
     
    platypirfun, Sep 17, 2011
    #8