New cpu good value for 3 year old pavilion dv3 1073 that will not boot up?

[bpet]

My HP Pavilion dv3 1073cl purchased just about 3 years ago just quietly shut itself down.  On restart there is  a black screen with flashing strobe bright white light.  You can hear it trying to rev up but cannot. All the touchpad keys are lit up and the caps and num lock keys continually flash on and off.  It is out of warranty but hp support says is in need of a new cpu for a cost of at least $400.  I really like this little computer but am wondering if a smart decision to spend this amount of $$ on a 3 year old laptop.  Is the cpu just the start of failures?

Any advice would be welcome.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

My opinion is that $400 would be way too much to spend on a 3 YO notebook.

Your PC's specs indicate it came with a 2.20 GHz AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-82 Dual-Core Mobile Processor.

Now, if you are sure it is the processor that is bad, my recommendation would be to get a used but tested and working ZM-82 processor on eBay.

I have posted a link to all of the available ZM-82 processors currently for sale on eBay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=ZM-82&_sop=15&_clu=2&_fcid=1&_localstpos=6301...

You can get them for as low as $23 delivered.

For $23.00, I would probably attempt the repairs.

Paul

[erico]

 I would pay not $400.00 to have the CPU replaced in a three year old notebook.

It is actually  unusual that the CPU would fail. I have had to replace systemboards but not very many CPUs.

[bpet]

I am just going by what the HP support guy said. I was talking to someone last night who said he thought the cpu and motherboard were attached in this laptop so would be not a do it yourself repair.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

While I will agree with Eric above that usually it is the motherboard that goes, and not the processor, your friend is incorrect.

The processor can pretty easily be replaced on the motherboard. It goes into a socket with a half screw turn to lock it down.

It's getting to it that will take a lot of effort.

Below is the link to the service manual. Removal and replacement procedures can be found in chapter 4.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01629029.pdf

Paul

[erico]

I found the CPU online for @$251.00 USD and on Amazon.com for $30.00- $72.00.

As far as replacing it yourself goes, I can say that if you have the patience (lots) and the knack for it, it is not that difficult. You can also buy the processor and get quotes from shops on replacement cost.

 There is a website called insidemylaptop.com that has tutorials on how it can be  done. If you can find a CPU fo less than $200.00 and install it yourself, then it would be worthwhile.

[bpet · Accepted solution]

Thanks to the replies - decided to not just take the word of the HP diagnosis and took it to Staples  Repair dept.for a $50 diagnosis.   I just had a call from them saying they had my computer going and are thinking it was just a Windows issue!   They tested the hardware and looks like it is okay.  They cannot get it to replicate the original problem so that is good.  If it has the same problems within 30 days I can take it back.  I will be making a back up first thing! 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Thanks for the update.

That is good news.

Paul