T30 with random junk on the screen when powered on.

[Unknown_K]

Purchased a T30 2366-85U. When you turn it on there is randon graphics junk on the screen then nothing.

I looked at the inverter and noticed the plug from the LCD CFFL has a black mark where one side overheated. I ordered another inverter and I have a 14" CFFL for a T2x in stock (new, will need the ends soldered).

Would a messed up inverter/CFFL show random junk on the screen? The cable to the back of the LCD looks good. VGA out works fine.

[jronald]

Intuition states the inverter would not mess up the graphics. That's why you can see the graphics without back light. On uBuntu I have always had stray "junk" on the screen before the driver kicks in. Food for thought?

Ron

[Unknown_K]

I am hoping the video cable isn't buggered. Can the ATI chip have issues with the LCD internally and still show up fine on an external LCD?

[jronald]

I know the chip can have issues, I have stumbled onto a couple. I think it WOULD effect the external monitor also. Maybe RBS knows for sure.

Ron

[RealBlackStuff]

The graphics chip consist of 2 parts, a digital part for the laptop LCD, and an analog part for an external monitor.
You can have garbage on the LCD and a perfect picture on an external monitor.
This is often the case with T30s.
If that is the situation, you need a new motherboard

[Unknown_K]

Bummer, this project is getting more expensive by the minute.

[jronald]

Told you RBS would know. Now that he has answered, I do remember it can work fine external.

Ron

[Unknown_K]

How much should a working T30 motherboard run these days?

[RealBlackStuff]

$40.- upwards if you are lucky.
If you are happy with only 1 RAM slot working (good for 1GB), I could sell you an otherwise OK board for $25.- incl. shipping to CONUS.
PM me if interested.

[madrigal]

Hi,
Have you tried the laptop on the external monitor?
I had similar issues with couple of T30s with Hitachi LCD screens.
If the image on external monitor is OK i'd suggest to check it with another LCD (preferrably LG.Philips or Samsung).
I don't expect inverter to cause garbled screen - if it fails the image is normal but barely visible.