X301 Diagnosis: Bad Mobo or just KB/Screen?

[Radioguy]

Hi guys. Popping my head back in (real life taking me away from the board for the most part), and have a TP dilemma that I'm dealing with that I'd like some input on.

Just given an old X301 (surprisingly, first time dealing with this model), and was told by the giver that they thought the mobo was bad due to overheating, and the kb and screen didn't work. Well, not sure how tech-savvy they were, so took that with a grain of salt. Turns out it does post, but the LCD lamp (not sure if LED or CCFL) won't light despite graphics being shown on screen (visible at extreme angles). Like they had said, keypresses aren't recognized.

Now, these two issues unto themselves need not confirm a bad mobo. Still, considering a usb kb and external monitor work, is it more likely to be the components or mobo?

Just wanted some input before sourcing parts or even popping it open (here's hoping for loose ribbon cables!). [censored] solid feeling machine though. Would be nice to get this in order even without an upgradable CPU option.


Type: 2774-W8Q

[rkawakami]

LCD panels in the X301 should be LED backlit. I would inspect/re-seat the LCD cable, along with the keyboard connector. While you're at it, look for any corrosion on the motherboard due to spilled liquids.

[Radioguy]

Kinda what I had planned on whatever else I did, but I appreciate the advice. Turns out to have been that simple too (well, I had to reseat the cable on the LCD panel-end - a bit more work).

Anyhow, I'm now typing on it.

Feels good, as always, to restore a TP.

[rkawakami]

Even better when it doesn't cost any more $$$$$.

[Radioguy]

Well, they did pull the drive first (I was using bootable USB media to test the machine).

So, go back to a 1.8" HDD, or go the mSATA SSD with adapter route...decisions, decisions.

*looks at ever-thinning wallet*

[axur-delmeria]

An SSD is a game-changing upgrade. It's always worthwhile to get one, especially for the X301 which has a processor clocked well below 2GHz.

[ajkula66]

So, go back to a 1.8" HDD, or go the mSATA SSD with adapter route...decisions, decisions.

mSATA + adapter would be my suggestion...fairly inexpensive and fast.

[Radioguy]

Ah, what does "fairly inexpensive" mean?

Oh, the adapter would be cheap (took a look), but price-wise, what am I looking at for a mSATA SSD that would be worthwhile in capacity and durability? I'd feel good about 120-128GB, but see the Mushkin @ $60-65 for that capacity on Newegg. Not a helluva lot, but the OEM pulls of Sandisk and Hynix mSATA SSDs for a third that price on eBay make me wonder.

[ajkula66]

Ah, what does "fairly inexpensive" mean?

Oh, the adapter would be cheap (took a look), but price-wise, what am I looking at for a mSATA SSD that would be worthwhile in capacity and durability? I'd feel good about 120-128GB, but see the Mushkin @ $60-65 for that capacity on Newegg. Not a helluva lot, but the OEM pulls of Sandisk and Hynix mSATA SSDs for a third that price on eBay make me wonder.

First of all, stay away from anything that sports a SandForce controller like Mushkin. You'll thank me later.

Secondly, NE has a Micron C400 (aka Crucial M4) mSATA 128GB refurb for under $50. I bought a few some time ago and haven't had a single problem. Obviously, YMMV, but these are great drives and especially at that price.

Happy shopping.

[Radioguy]

Hadn't a clue those were Sandforce-based. Thanks for that. I had a Sandisk go bad with one once.

I'll look at that Micron.

EDIT: What's your opinion of the Toshiba's and Samsung's in the same refurb category/price range there?

[ajkula66]

EDIT: What's your opinion of the Toshiba's and Samsung's in the same refurb category/price range there?

Pass.

I've returned a Samsung which was useless within 24 hours. Haven't tried Toshiba, but would definitely go with Micron given the choice.

[Radioguy]

Thanks. Took a shot with the Micron.