Reflowing

np4me

np4me

np4me

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Joined
11 Jan 2010
Posts
27
Hey friends

To cut a long story short I have this laptop I’m trying to fix for someone (Dell XPS M2010 - its huge and seems crappy)

I’ve narrowed it down to the GPU, and it seems many others have the same problem from what I’ve seen on other forums.

They suggest removing and re-applying new thermal paste which I’ve done but had no luck.
I’m now thinking of baking the card to reflow the solder as a last resort, just wondering if anyone has any other suggestions or has tried this before?

(sorry if this is the wrong section)

Ps: will provide toasty pics
 
Hey thanks for the reply

its a ATI Mobility RADEON X1800 - 256.0 MB
Seems like its specifically for this laptop and replacements are a ridiculous price, I can get my hands on a heat gun but probably wont be able to till tomorrow now.

Got any tips? How long should I heat the card up for?
 
np4me said:
Hey thanks for the reply

its a ATI Mobility RADEON X1800 - 256.0 MB
Seems like its specifically for this laptop and replacements are a ridiculous price, I can get my hands on a heat gun but probably wont be able to till tomorrow now.

Got any tips? How long should I heat the card up for?
Click to expand...

Not 100% sure.

When i did it in the oven it was at 200*C and left it in for 7 mins.

It worked fine but for the caps which i replaced.

I would try heating it up slowly for about 2 mins then full heat for about 5 mins then slowley cool it. But don't touch it for at least 30 mins and dont use it for about 1 hour.

Use tin foil to cover all the card but for the GPU.
 
Before taking it apart to re-bake it, you could try what I did to my ex's Dell when it stopped outputting display.

Turn it on, and wrap it in a duvet, leave it like that for 30 minutes or so, turn it off and let it cool down, then try it again.
 
paradigm said:
Before taking it apart to re-bake it, you could try what I did to my ex's Dell when it stopped outputting display.

Turn it on, and wrap it in a duvet, leave it like that for 30 minutes or so, turn it off and let it cool down, then try it again.
Click to expand...

Okay cheers man, ill try this first then try what james said.

ive got nothing to loose really
 
Just an update,

I left the laptop covered in a duvet for ages yesterday to get some heat into it. After it had cooled down the screen came on, but only once, it won’t come on again now.

Might try this again but for longer? :(
 
I royally cocked up a graphics card once with a heat gun - be carefull it doesn't blow the little surface mount components off :D best of luck it's nice to see someone having a go ;)
 
I use a heatgun on low and also work some flux underneath the IGP before i start. You'll find plenty of guides on youtube the process is pretty much the same for doing xbox 360s and PS3s.

I must stress this is more of a temporary fix, how long the laptop will work for if you are successful is anyones guess. It's also very important NOT to touch or move the mobo whilst it cools for a good 15-20 mins.
 
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Hey, thanks for all the tips guys (I have told her its probably best she gets a new laptop and I wouldn’t trust this as far as I could throw it)

This duvet method seems to be working at the minute though. It now comes on every time but there are a couple of artifacts on the screen,

If I carry on with the duvet do you think it will fix these?

166z35.jpg
 
This duvet trick is the same as what people were doing with the xbox 360 wrapping it in a towel......it's not a fix it won't last long at all. Doing it over and over again isn't advisable either. Best diy method is what i suggested, using a heatgun and flux.
 
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