Repair for T41 GPU

[Pooh]

Hi all

Maybe it will interest somebody that had/have the same problem as I did.
Description of the problem:
The ThinkPad would power up but the screen remained black and from time to time (power up to power up) a beep signals appeared (1-Long and 2-shorts).
Well the problem appears to be, GPU that got lose.
Here is the solution including pictures.
1. Disassemble the ThinkPad covers and remove the main and BIOS BATTERY!!!!!!!!! .
2. Cover the main board with foil except the GPU area.
http://img368.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 457ja9.jpg
3. Use a Blower and set it to a temperature of 370C
http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 461xw7.jpg
4. Apply hot air during 2 minutes *not directly on GPU) in circle movement.
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 459yw1.jpg
5. During the heating stage apply little pressure to the GPU chip.
http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 456iv0.jpg]
6. It would be nice if during the heating you will have some kind of thermometer which could mesure the temperature on the surface of the GPU.
http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 463uy1.jpg
7. It is very important not to let the temperature rise above 250C.
8. After you finished, leave the ThinkPad as is for about 20 to 25 min until the board will cool enough.
9. Remove the foil.
10. Assemble the covers and ENJOY )))

It took me a lot of time to find the solution for this problem so I hope that this post will really help somebody!!!! [/img]

[AIX]

Pooh, have you seen this thread?

GUIDE: Reflow GPU fix - 56K WARNING!!!

[Pooh]

No, I did not.
It's a petty, this thread could save me a lot of time.

[AIX]

In the marketplace area (here) you can find a topic regarding professional BGA and GPU reballing; it's not suitable for us, the guys from the East, just FYI. Anyway, you did a great job.

[sojourner]

5. During the heating stage apply little pressure to the GPU chip.
http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... 456iv0.jpg

I've heard a number of people say put a little pressure, some do not. Was wondering how to keep the GPU from moving out of place if all the solder balls are fluid!

[carbon_unit]

I've heard a number of people say put a little pressure, some do not. Was wondering how to keep the GPU from moving out of place if all the solder balls are fluid!

Luck!

[Kyocera]

I've done a lot of soldering and I (someone correct me if I'm wrong) don't think this temperature would be sufficient to melt all the solder in the GPU at the same time i.e. half may be liquid while the other half cools. Moving the heat gun around in a circular motion would allow the heat to be distributed, not directed. This could account for the success of this. Solder liquifies and solidifies so quick is the reason it takes a while to get the hang of creating a useful solder joint.

[rbena]

I've heard a number of people say put a little pressure, some do not. Was wondering how to keep the GPU from moving out of place if all the solder balls are fluid!

Luck!

I think when this "element" is required, you know it's out of the realm of the Hardware Maintenance Manual

[beeblebrox]

I've done a lot of soldering and I (someone correct me if I'm wrong) don't think this temperature would be sufficient to melt all the solder in the GPU at the same time i.e. half may be liquid while the other half cools. Moving the heat gun around in a circular motion would allow the heat to be distributed, not directed. This could account for the success of this. Solder liquifies and solidifies so quick is the reason it takes a while to get the hang of creating a useful solder joint.

You don't have to. Only the front part solders points need to melt, that's where most times the solder points fail. If you look at the mechanical lever the main stress is on the front part, when you hold the notebook on the palmrest only.