X40 Dead Motherboard ?

[nicotean]

Hi !

I just got a Thinkpad X40, really nice machine, but when I tried to power it up, the leds flashed up normally for a Thinkpad, the HDD and the fan started spinning up, but no display, no beeps and no HDD activity.
I took a look at the mobo, tried disconnecting and reconnecting everything between the mobo and the screen, but nothing, although I noticed a small burn on the chipset on the top of the mobo (and while running, the chipset gets hot).
So what I think is that the chipset is burned/failing, but I wanted to be sure before selling it for parts on ebay... because I really like the laptop.

So, what are your diagnoses/ideas please ?


Thanks in advance !

[Bibin]

A damaged chipset is the end of that motherboard's life. I would source a used X40 or X41 motherboard and install that.

[billp117]

You can find a used motherboard on eBay for about $40 US + shipping. I don't know if you have the interest to repair the unit since parting it out is your alternative. It looks like you are half way done.

You may be happier with an X61 since it has a much more advanced design. Either way....the X form factor is really nice.

[nicotean]

Thanks for the answers.

Yes I know that if the chipset is faulty I will need to replace the board, but I just wanted to be completely sure that the chipset is the real problem here before buying a new mobo...
So if someone has an idea on how to diagnose a dead chipset that would be welcome

I have been looking for a Thinkpad X series for quite a long time now, but in France they are still quite expensive, especially the X6* series... that's why I ended up with a X40

[nicotean]

Hi,

I'm wondering if the screen is still working or not (haven't tested it because the mobo was dead when I received the laptop).
Is there any way to test it without having to buy a new mobo (and I haven't any other X4x laying around) ? Because I don't want to buy a new board if the screen is dead too ...