Sign of motherboard failure?

[ccookie66]

Hello, my IBM ThinkPad T40 running Windows XP Professional, whenever I plug a USB drive into the laptop, it says "This device can perform faster" and I did a little research, and found out the only way to fix it is to replace the motherboard. But, if I leave it this way, will my ThinkPad be fine, other than the this device can perform faster message? I heard that some part in the USB part burns out after using too much, and it is common with ThinkPads.

[Harryc]

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=48955
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=69367

[poshgeordie]

Unfortunately it is "classic" Southbridge chip solder ball failure.

Regarding using a heatgun to resolder the chip, at best this is a temporary fix since the chip needs reballing that is to remove the chip, replace the solder balls, and to then reflow (solder) the reburb'd chip back onto the motherboard.

At worst you'll destroy the chip which is actually quite delicate and easily damaged.

I'd suggest swapping your board out through The Board Room. This is a service for forum members to supply cost effective refurbished Thinkpad boards.

[ccookie66]

So, if I leave it alone, the worse could happen is the USB ports will fail, and I will loose my USB? What about the rest of the laptop, no random shut downs from a motherboard failure, or something like that? Also, I noticed that the right arrow key is not working anymore, could this be linked to the USB problem?

[MnR]

Hi,

Your south bridge controls more then your USB... Your hard drive and your Optical drive to name two.

It would be wise to swap out the motherboard or sell the T40 for parts and get a newer laptop if you can afford it.

MnR

[ccookie66]

Hi,

Your south bridge controls more then your USB... Your hard drive and your Optical drive to name two.

It would be wise to swap out the motherboard or sell the T40 for parts and get a newer laptop if you can afford it.

MnR

That would make sense, I have had problems with the optical drive reading disks, it makes lots of noise and sometimes won't read them.

[ajkula66]

You can add the audio card, wired and wireless LAN as well as the keyboard to the list of items controlled by the Southbridge chip...