T43 well known USB problem and freezing when flex...

[safe1]

Hi guys,

i have a T43 (1871-4AG) with Intel Centrino 1.8GHz CPU and i915 Graphics card on it.

About a month ago it developed the well known USB problem (does not "see" the devices i connect to it),
which i confirmed that happens when i somewhat flex the palm rest area of the laptop.

Few days ago the situation got more severe, and if i work with the laptop on my legs or on a non-horizontal
surface, the laptop freezes.

I guess i need a motherboard replacement.

My question is:

Some T43s came with an ATI X300 or ATI128 FireGL graphics cards.
If i have to replace my current board (which has a i915 graphics card) i'd like
to have one with an ATI onboard.

Will it work?

My screen is the 14.1 inch model and currently runs at 1024x768 resolution....


Thank you in advance,
safe1

[poshgeordie]

Hi Safe1 and welcome to the forums.

The southbridge problem is quite common on T43's and what you describe are typical symptoms.

The good news is that you have the best type of T4x motherboard since it has the Intel graphics chip which never becomes unsoldered.

The boards you mention with ATI X300 or fireGL based GPU's do become unsoldered as well as the southbridge, so buying such a board could give you more problems in the longer term.

I run Reflow Repairs which is based in UK and we will be able to reflow (resolder) the southbridge back onto the board. Have a look at our advert in these forums.
Note that return carriage from UK to Greece will be aproximately an extra £20 on the prices quoted.

If you'd like an official quotation please email me on nick@reflowrepairs.com and we'll send one to you.

Kind regards

Nick

[safe1]

Thanks for the information Nick.

May i ask:

If i choose to use your services, should i send the whole laptop to you or just the motherboard?

I'm trying to estimate the shipping cost...

Regards,
safe1

[RealBlackStuff]

If you read their website, you'll find that it is cheaper to send in just the motherboard.
http://reflowrepairs.co.uk/prices

Maybe this helps in determining postal rates:
http://www.interpack.gr/uk/Tables/Default.asp

[poshgeordie]

Thanks for the information Nick.

May i ask:

If i choose to use your services, should i send the whole laptop to you or just the motherboard?

I'm trying to estimate the shipping cost...

Regards,
safe1

It will be cheaper overall for you to send just the motherboard on the base as in this link.

if you send your laptop stripped down as above, our price for the work including return carriage to Greece will be £74.50.

Even with post / courier from Greece to UK of around £30 this will be a better option for you compared with trying to buy a replacement T43 Intel graphics board.

Hope that helps

Kind regards

Nick