component level motherboard repair service?

[compcons]

I have an EVGA x58 Classified 3 and it only finishes POST if I push down on the south bridge and hold it down. EVGA doesn't do repairs and it is not covered by warranty for an RMA replacement. I am trying to find a reputable place that can possibly fix this for me. Has anyone used a service with success? Your input is appreciated.

thanks,
EH

 

[bryanl]

I would first check very carefully for a short between the motherboard and case, perhaps at one of the brass standoffs, and for good contact between the south bridge and its heatsink. If neither appears the problem, then I'm afraid the south bridge may not have been soldered properly at the factory, a warrantied defect, contrary to EVGA's claim. Many shops try to repair this by merely reheating the south bridge to melt and reflow the solder balls beneath it, sometimes by placing the entire motherboard in an oven, but the repair may not be permanent, and a better repair is a 'reball,' where the south bridge is unsoldered and the solder cleaned from both the motherboard and chip before new solder balls are applied.

 

[compcons]

I am certain it isn't an external short as it is sitting on my desk. It is definitively the board. I assumed it was a bad connection rather than a cracked PCB which might still be the case. Hence, the search for someone who can solder the south bridge. I lack skills to do this myself.

it may be a defect, but I am not the first owner and evga doesn't simply warranty the product for a duration, but rather a duration with the original owner with proof of purchase. They do not offer repair services.

 

[e-drood]

your evga x58 mb uses Intel ICH10R FC-BGA Southbridge shipped by Intel preloaded w/solder balls

your issue you are experiencing results from defective mb layering resulting in camber preventing uniform contact by solder balls or bad hot air cycling when surface mounting "lsi chip"

www.polystak.com cupertino, I think, and is established/recognized by industry... provides bga ball grid array reballing services --- do not reheat / change solder balls

ask for quote

generally if mb costs less than 200usd reballing is not cost effective...

 

[fire400]

if i need it real bad, just get refurb junk off ebay and hope it lasts for another several months before i sell the entire thing.