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Thanks, checking your PM'd info now.
System has already been stripped a few times, I'm doing it again right down to removing the MB as well. Also going to redo the heat-sink/transfer-pads since it's like they might have cracked from the fall as well (though one wouldn't anticipate it being a problem from a cold start).
Anyhow, many thanks once again, I'll let you know how we go with this one - already burned enough unbillable hours on this 
Still no conclusive joy.
It's a pressure/flex sensitive issue. I even lifted 100+ individual fingers on the MXM connector, as I find if I push down on the MXM GFX card module it'll boot properly, but without pushing down it does the black hanging screen.
I've tried putting a little 0.8mm thick nylon washer under the closest MB mount most to 'simulate' a push down but it's not a reliable fix.
I'm REALLY hoping it's not a cracked motherboard but I am starting to think more and more there's a part around the MXM connection that has a solder joint that cracked during the drop. I have a reflow oven but I'm disinclined to reflow the whole board (especially since there are so many connectors on there that might not cope with the reflow. I suppose I could hot-air reflow that whole region but it's a real stab in the dark.
$200 for a replacement MB might be the trick
pldaniels wrote:Still no conclusive joy.
It's a pressure/flex sensitive issue. I even lifted 100+ individual fingers on the MXM connector, as I find if I push down on the MXM GFX card module it'll boot properly, but without pushing down it does the black hanging screen.
I've tried putting a little 0.8mm thick nylon washer under the closest MB mount most to 'simulate' a push down but it's not a reliable fix.
I'm REALLY hoping it's not a cracked motherboard but I am starting to think more and more there's a part around the MXM connection that has a solder joint that cracked during the drop. I have a reflow oven but I'm disinclined to reflow the whole board (especially since there are so many connectors on there that might not cope with the reflow. I suppose I could hot-air reflow that whole region but it's a real stab in the dark.
$200 for a replacement MB might be the trick
A replacement MB is probably the best option to return the PC to like new condition.
A customer call is usually my next step. The parts ($$)+billable & non-billable hours are adding up.
Replacing the mobo is still considerably less expensive than replacing the all-in-one PC.
Problem does seem to be centric to the MXM connector. Trying to get the spec sheet on it so I can determine the pin-contact mechanics. Adjusting the bottom row was easy enough but the top row appears to be hidden at this point.
It's gone well beyond economical in terms of my labour hours but it's one of those problems that we find ourselves hacking away at in leiu of anything else better to do on a Friday night... other than watching Falcon/SpaceX docking with the ISS
I realigned all the pins on the MXM connector, including pushing the topside ones out a bit more by pushing them on the backside of the connector. (Picture shows me half way through lifting the bottom run pins.
System reassembled and isn't touch-sensitive any more, at least not yet. Running 3 video streams from different sources (internet, DVD and HDD) and it's behaving itself.
