Apple MacBook Air A1466 Mid-2013 Liquid Damage Repair

Back in September 2014, I got a Apple MacBook Air A1466 Mid-2013 that had been damaged due liquid having been spilled next to it. The good news was that it would boot up, but it didn't detect the boot drive. I took it apart to find that the SSD had suffered a short that had burned off some of the contacts.

Archos 80 G9 Digitizer Repair

Generally, I stay away from tablets and smartphones because they're very difficult to repair because of the glue, small connectors, soldered components, etc. I got my hands on an Archos 80 G9 with a broken digitizer. The device turned on and the LCD was working. I decided to open it up to see if it was repairable and it seemed harmless enough. Make sure you have some Kapton Tape, this is the one that I have here, on hand to replace the tape holding the components in place.

MSI ATI Radeon HD 4350 Thermal Paste Upgrade

I have a entry level MSI R4350-MD512H ATI Radeon HD 4350 512MB PCI Express x16 2.0 video card. The stock thermal paste wasn't cutting it, so I took off the heatsink and replaced the thermal paste with Arctic Silver 5. The MSI R4350-MD512H heatsink is held in place by plastic rivets. Some of the original plastic rivets broke while I was removing the heatsink and I had to replace them. Find them here on ebay.com.

Specifications:

• Graphics Processing Unit : ATI Radeon HD 4350 
• Interface : PCI Express x16 2.0 
• Core Clock Speed (MHz) : 600 
• Memory Size (MB) : 512 
• Memory Type : DDR2 
• Memory Interface : 64bit 
• Memory Clock Speed (MHz) : 800 
• DVI Connectors : 1 
• D-SUB Connectors : 1 
• HDMI Connectors : 1 
• HDCP Support : Y 
• RAMDAC speed (MHz) : 400 
• DirectX Version Support : 10.1 
• OpenGL Version Support : 2.1 

HP EliteBook 8470p Upgrade

The HP EliteBook 8470p reminds me of the Dell Latitude in a way because of its accessibility to the components by removing a single screw and panel on the bottom of the notebook computer. However, there is at least one component that I saw that I didn't have access to. I think it's the chipset controller. Other than that, my least favorite part of ALL HP EliteBook notebook computers I have used to today is the touchpad. It's way to slick, it has NO tactile feel and it's just feels creepy.

The HP EliteBook 8470p specifications can be found here.

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 3320M
• Chipset: Intel QM77
• Video: Intel HD Graphics 4000
• Display: 14.0 LED HD 1366x768
• Dimensions (WxH): 32.4 x 19.2cm (12.74 x 7.56in)
• Diagonal size: 35.6cm (14.0in)
• Surface treatment: Anti-glare
• Contrast ratio: 400:1 (typical)
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Brightness: 200 nit (typical)
• Backlight: LED
• PPI: 112ppi
• HDD: Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB WD3200BEKT-60PVMT0 7200RPM
• Audio: IDT 92HD87 High Definition CODEC
• WLAN: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 62205ANHMW

Upgrade options:

• Processor: The HP EliteBook 8470p has an Intel Core i5 3320M and an Intel QM77 chipset. Based on the compatibility information available on the Intel ARK Advanced Search, you can upgrade to a maximum of either the Intel Core i7 3840QM (3.80GHz, 8MB cache) or the Intel Core i7 3940XM Extreme Edition (3.90GHz, 8MB cache). Remember to be wary of the Extreme Edition processors. They're not guaranteed to work. While the Intel Core i7 3840QM is 35W, same as the Intel Core i5 3320M, the Intel Core i7 3940XM is 55W.
• Memory: Per the Intel Core i5 3320M specifications, the max memory is 32GB. However, crucial.com lists the max memory for the 8470p at 16GB. As of today, 2014-09-02, I don't see any availability of 2x16GB SODIMM memory modules for a total of 32GB, but the possiblity exists.

Toshiba Portege R835 Keyboard Repair and Upgrade

A Toshiba Portege R835 keyboard was having issues with the "A" key. When attempting to fix the key, I pulled off the "A" key and readjusted the rubber actuator for the "A" key. This made the situation WORSE. Not recommended. This resulted in the purchase of a NEW Toshiba Portege R835 keyboard.

Originally, I thought that the Portege R835 was well built, but after replacing the keyboard, I take it back. Why? THE KEYBOARD IS GLUED ON. What a mess. Taking off the keyboard damaged the original keyboard.

Black Shielding Tape for Electronics

So I've been looking around for this black shielding tape used for electronics (see picture below):

The mini PCIe slot to the right has black tape/film shielding the electronics underneath the mini PCIe card. Initially, I though it was a heat shield, but I think I've finally found the tape. mouser.com has a product called an EMI absorption sheet.

• Molex HOZOX EMI Absorption Sheet and Tape
• EMI absorption sheet and tape products

I'm still looking for a large sheet that can be cut to specification, but a least I'm closer to getting what I'm looking for.

I think the TDK Broadband RF/EMI Flexible Absorber Sheets are what I'm looking for.

HP Pavilion dv7-4180us Excessive Fan Noise

When it comes to excessive fan noise, the general problem is cooling. Something is either blocking the fan from cooling the heatfins of the heatsink assembly or the heatsink is inadequately cooling the system.

A friend was complaining that their HP Pavilion dv7-4180us fan was excessively loud and constantly running. I offered to open up the notebook computer and take a look inside. What I found was the heatfins of the heatsink assembly was blocked up with dust and needed cleaning.

HP Pavilion dv7-4180us specifications:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=4308513

Product Number: XG834UA#ABA
Microprocessor: Intel Core i5-460M Processor 2.53GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.80 GHz
Memory: 4GB DDR3 System Memory (2 DIMM)
Memory Max: 8GB
Video Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5650 s
Hard Drive 640GB (5400RPM)
Multimedia Drive: LightScribe Blu-ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD±R/RW Double Layer Support
Display: 17.3” diagonal High Definition+ HP BrightView LED Display (1600 x 900)
Network Card: Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
Wireless Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WLAN
Sound: Beats Audio and HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer
Keyboard: 101-key compatible with island-style full-size keyboard with integrated numeric keypad
Pointing Device: HP Clickpad with On/Off button
External Ports
•5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
•4 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0, 4th port shared with eSATA
• 1 HDMI
• 1 eSATA + USB 2.0
• 1 VGA (15-pin)
• 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
• 1 Headphone-out
• 1 Microphone-in
Dimensions" 16.35" (W) x 10.8" (D) x 1.25" (min H)/1.46" (max H)
Weight: 6.86 lbs
Power
•90W AC Adapter
•9-Cell 93WHr Lithium-Ion Battery

Upgrade information:
The HP Pavilion dv7-4180us has a replaceable CPU. The Intel® Core™ i5-460M Processor
(3M Cache, 2.53 GHz) has a PGA988 socket. You can find other processors with PGA988 sockets here at ark.intel.com Advanced Search. The Intel Core i5-460M doesn't give information regarding compatible products, but using CPU-Z, you can determine the motherboard type and find a compatible processor. Becareful with the quad core and extreme processors. They list compatible chipsets, so make sure you have one of the listed chipsets.

Dell XPS 15 L521x Overheating

I was asked to take a look at a Dell XPS 15 L521x ultrabook because it was having video flicker problems. I originally took the approach of swapping out the thermal paste which helped a little, but the problem persisted. However, looking at the heatsink assembly, it was clear the problem wasn't the thermal paste, rather the heatpipe and heatsink is way too small for the Intel Core i7 and nVidia video processor. Remembering a similar issue with the HP Pavilion tx1000, the Dell XPS 15 L521x also had the heatpipe and parts of the heatfin covered in a black paint. I decided that it was time to scrub it off.

Before photo of the heatpipe and heatfin.

After photo of the heatpipe and heatfin. I scrubbed off the black paint using high isopropyl alcohol and a 800 grit sandpaper. A regular toothbrush had no effect on the paint. I had to use something a little more abrasive. The 800 grit sandpaper doesn't grind, it polishes. I use this particular sandpaper to polish down uneven heatsink surfaces. Even still, I couldn't get all the paint off.

Acer Extensa 5420 Upgrade

The Acer Extensa 5420 is an interesting machine. The 5420G model has an MXM slot for replaceable video cards. The 5420 lacks the slot but it has the leads for the slot (see pictures below). The Acer Extensa 5420 I got a hold of to repair actually started up and I couldn't find any problems until I opened it up. The heatsink was clogged with dust and lots of it.

The Acer Extensa 5420 has a fair amount of space for upgrading. The WLAN card can be upgraded to the latest and greatest 802.11 ac (no WLAN whitelist to worry about). The processor can be upgraded from a 1.9GHz to a 2.4GHz AMD Turion 64 X2. The memory can be bumped up to 4GB. And the real performance boost, an SATA SSD.

Before starting, here's the specification so of the machine.

Specifications:
AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile TL-58 1.9 GHz processor
15.4-inch display
1280 x 800 (WXGA)
ATI Radeon X1250
2 GB DDR2 RAM; 120 GB hard drive
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed
Chipset: ATI RS690
Southbridge: ATI SB600
Memory: 2GB (2x 1GB) (4GB max)
160GB HDD
Broadcom BCM94311MCG 802.11 b/g

Slots

• PC Card
• ExpressCard/54

Interfaces

• Microphone
• S-Video output
• Line-out/headphones
• Line in
• Modem (RJ-11),
• Ethernet 10/100 (RJ-45)
• Infrared (IrDA)
• VGA
• 4x USB 2.0
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
• Network

Memory Card Reader

• 5 in 1 card reader (Memory Stick, SD Memory Card, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard, xD-Picture Card)

HP Pavilion tx1000 Upgrade

While performing a repair on the HP Pavilion tx1000, I noticed that there were unused trace for a mini PCIe slot and a SIM card holder. I ordered the parts from mouser.com and as soon as the parts arrived, I got to work:

• C&K Components Memory Card Connectors Conn Smart Card Hinged 6Pin Smd , Mouser Part #611-CCM03-3013LFTR10
• Molex PCI Express / PCI Connectors MINI PCI EXP. 0.8MM PITCH, 9.90MM HEIGHT, Mouser Part #538-48338-0099

Dell Latitude E6430 Upgrade

My work Dell Latitude E6410 was replaced with a Dell Latitude E6430. Aesthetically, I preferred the E6410. The boxy look worked for me. The E6430 is clam shaped and the area around the keyboard is covered with a soft rubbery material. In general, I don't like that material because once it starts to breakdown, it gets very sticky.

Specifications:

• Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3740QM CPU @ 2.70GHz
• Memory: 16GB
• HDD: Samsung SSD PM830 2.5" 7mm 256GB
• Video: Intel HD Graphics 4000/NVidia NVS 5200M

Target PA248U5 AWE61US Laptop Chill Mat Fan Replacement

I have a Targus PA248U5 AWE61US Laptop Chill Mat and the fans started to rattle. The Targus Laptop Chill Mat is a simple single speed (no fan speed control) cooling pad. I opened up the chill mat to find that while the fans are standard, they are hardwired in the device. To replace the fans, you have to cut out the old fans and add connectors to make the new fans replaceable in the future.

Parts required to replace the fans in the Targus PA248U5 Laptop Chill Mat:

• EVERCOOL 80mm x 80mm x 10mm DC 5V Case Fan (see here on eBay)
• 3 pin fan Y power splitter (see here on Amazon)
• Optional: 3 pin fan power extension cable (see here on Amazon) - Optional because, the Evercool 80x80x10mm fan comes with a 3 to 2 pin converter. You can use this instead of buy another $5 cable.

HP Pavilion tx1000 Repair

I've inherited a broken HP Pavilion tx1000. It was suffering from the classic no WIFI detected problem. Meaning, that a WLAN mini PCIe adapter is installed and it works, but the computer doesn't detect it. Additionally, when I ran the Windows 7 experience score test, the notebook computer would blue screen. There were other problems such as the mouse pointer would disappear after prolonged use and the display would get staticy after a while.

All these issues were caused by the NVidia video processor solder joint being damaged from overheating.

You can find additional information about the HP Pavilion tx1000 here.