DVD Drive Not In BIOS - Motherboard Swap

[redelk]

I'm working on a friend's dv6636nr and the BIOS doesn't recognize DVD drive. DVD drive powers up, spins & ejects. Have tried several bootable disks, replaced the GSA-T20L DVD drive & flashed all 15 BIOS versions from F.06 to F.34. DVD drive still isn't recognized. The laptop's HD, SD card, USB flash drive & USB external drive are all recognized both in the BIOS and Vista. I'm assuming it is a motherboard issue. Possibly a faulty connection on the Southbridge.

It currently has a 449903-001 MB, AMD TL-58 & 4GB RAM. Can a 449902-001 MB from a dv6640 (or other similar model) be used as a replacement? It appears that the only external physical difference is that the 449902 MB has an additional HDMI port and the base enclosure of the dv6636nr has a knockout cover where the HDMI port is located. All the screw locations on both MBs seem to be the same.

I understand that some additional items will be needed for the MB swap (i.e. 449960-001 HS fan, upgraded WLAN card, bluetooth module, etc.), but since all of it could be purchased for under $100, it seems like a worthwhile upgrade for someone who can't afford a new or used laptop.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[visruth · Accepted solution]

Hi,


Yes you're all good to go.

Manual: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295877

Hope you've also thought about reinstalling OS after replacement. Mother board change will render OEM licence for Windows Vista Home Premium that came with laptop unusable.


Regards

Visruth

[redelk]

Thank you for the quick & informative reply.

Hope you've also thought about reinstalling OS after replacement.

Have backed up all his personal data on a external drive and plan on a fresh install of Windows 7 Professional. I realize Win 7 isn't supported on the dv6636/6640, but I have already downloaded the majority of drivers for the 449903 MB per CherylG's "General Windows 7 Upgrade..." posts. Needless to say, I'll need to acquire the appropriate drivers applicable to the 449902 MB for the WiFi, bluetooth, nVida chipset/video, etc. before I do the swap.

Is there any advantage in installing the x64 OS over the x32 with only 4GB RAM & AMD TL-58?

Considered upgrading to a TL-66 for about $30, but for daily use, I'm not so sure it'd give much of a noticeable benefit. Opinion?

[visruth]

Not much 32bit would be enough in my opinion.

$30 is bit in higher side. Not much improvement in performance compared to cost.