TX2500 Dead after 18 Months.

[Sylquest1]

Update about my post regarding my Tx2514ca repairs.. It is still working perfectly since the repairs in 03/2010; I've been trying to crash it by running multiple applications (virus scan while watching a DVD movie etc ) for months now; My TX2514ca has been extremely stable,,,Conclusion; The heat problem that plagued the TX1000 (video Nvidia 6150) series is also problematic  with the TX2000 series that has an ATI 3200 video chip.  It appears that the heat generated by both the CPU and GPU is sufficient to slowly disconnect the ATI chip from the motherboard causing video/system instability and eventually system failure (black screen).  AMD should be setting better standards to make sure that computer manufactures are installing their chips with the proper thermal solutions.  Thank you

[javos]

Hi,

Sortlike problem with my tx2550ed (one-blink Num/Caps LED error code that supposedly indicates CPU failure. When I try to boot, the screen is blank and the LEDs are blinking, but I can hear the fans spin up; I also can't get into the BIOS by pressing F10).  I bought this notebook  end 2008. I can't accept the situation so I am thinking of buying a new cpu of Ebay. That is $ 200 with no guarantees for a working notebook - quite a risk. I would like to hear the experiences of people who replaced the cpu. 

[Sylquest1]

Hi Javos...

So far, my experience with the Tx2500/Tx1000 series tells me that the CPU/GPU could be fine but their connections to the motherboard maybe faulty therefore replacing the CPU may not resolve your problem.  IF your CPU socket is partly disconnected, heat maybe the only way to reconnect (using a heat gun or heat lamp).  You should research the procedure before making any attempt..

Thank you

Sylvain

[javos]

Thanks Sylvain,

I'm going  to try  that as soon as I find enough spare time (i'm not an experienced technician). On youtube I saw a clip where somebody used a heat gun on the gpu; you think I should do the same with the cpu?

Wim 

[Sylquest1]

Good morning Javos,

I would not be surprise that both problems with GPU/CPU are related (temperature too high for solder type) - I would use the same procedure for both CPU/GPU with a micro torch (more focus heat and cheaper).  Make sure to place a quarter on top CPU/GPU and a small amount of Artic 5 on it to transmit the heat to the motherboard evenly.  Use a circular motion to spread the heat for about 25 sec.  Also make sure afterwards to improve the thermal solution with Artic 5 and silver or copper shim to replace the thermal pad on the GPU.

It would be nice to test the CPU before doing this to eliminate the possibility of being falty.

Thank you

Sylvain

[javos]

Thanks for the specifics! I hope a € 0,50 coin will do as well.

Vriendelijke groet, Wim

I found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctHTF3oNdxI&NR=1

[javos]

Update.

The heat and pressure technique seems to have worked for me, its all running again.

 I can't really enjoy it yet  cause  I'm still struggling very hard with the Zif connector of the keyboard, I am not able to put the plastic clip back in place on the connector. Anyone had  experience with that?

[Sylquest1]

Hope the black piece of plastic is not broken..There is small holes on each side of the socket that allow you to clip back the  black piece of plastic into...Make sure it's pointing in the direction t would allow you to squeeze the ribbons into place when pushed down.  Bending the strip of plastic a little bit should help to put it back....Sorry  I'm better in french...  

[javos]

Update 2.

Well, I finally got the Zif connection together as well. Next time I'll make mental notes how I got it out in the first place. It took me as long as the whole re-assembly of the notebook.  So be aware of Zif connections folks! 

Anyway, my notebook is doing fine now. I used a € 0,10 coin, ArtiClean 1 and 2, and ArticSilver5. The heating I did with a heatgun, on 320 degrees for about 2 minutes.

Now I hope this will last. I bought a Toshiba business notebook to rely on - I don't want to depend on a HP notebook anymore!

By viewing my post while I was writing this  I just read your reply Sylvain. I think  you describe what I just finally found out: to put the clip vertical on the connection, and than flip it down. Thanks. Is your notebook still working?

[Sylquest1]

Yes, it;s still working very well...(touch wood).I'm still amazed that the heat technique works so well... We should be working for HP....